I had some breast feathers off a Canada Goose. I decided to try and dye some rather than throw them away. I was somewhat surprised at the results. The grayish dun feather became an olive color. The method used for dying is quite simple and has been posted in the past. I take no credit for developing the procedure. However here it is again in case you want to give it a try.
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Get a microwave proof container. I use a mayo jar which has a plastic lid.
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Place feathers, water and some dish washing soap in the jar.
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Place in zapper and bring to a light boil, shake well and let set for a few minutes. This gets rid of the oil on the feathers.
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Rinse feathers in a tea strainer and rinse jar.
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Put clean feathers, several drops of yellow food coloring, water and about 1/4 cup of vinegar in the jar.
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Place back in zapper and bring to a light boil and let sit for awhile to absorb the dye. It helps to shake it once in a while.
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Rinse feathers & spread out to dry. I use a paper towel or a newspaper as some of the dye will stain the paper.
Thats about it - now if I can find a use for them. Of course different colors/mixtures of food coloring will produce different results.
Tim
