Ray -

I usually end up using several feathers on the patterns I tie with CDC. On a really small fly, one or two feathers might do it, but even on a size 16 Harrop's Henry's Fork Caddis I'm using three. Maybe a parachute post or wings on a small mayfly would only require one, or a small emerger ??

Might use fewer feathers by stripping the fibers off the stem of one feather instead of "stacking" them the way I've been doing it. But when I've tried that, I find the fibers difficult to control, what with the very rough skin on my fingers.

I'm using high quality CDC from a couple hunters. I doubt that that is the problem you're having ??

John