Just thought of something else I needed to bounce off the gang. Just what is the definition of “Blood Quill” Marabou? I tried looking for a defintion and couldn’t find one, but I see that when it is listed it costs a little more than marabou. BQ Marabou came with my Clouser Nymph kit, and it really moves nice in the water. Great action, and if it does cost a little more looks like it is worth it.
Thanks,
Bob
“blood” feathers are those that haven’t grown out all the way. The way to tell them apart from the regular feathers is the base looks completely different. Bloods are good because they haven’t had a chance to get damaged on the bird.
Happy Trails!
Ronn
Bob,
Also, ‘bloods’ are usually listed in catalogs as ‘strung marabou’. Two characteristics, additional to what Ronn said, are that the tips of the individual fibers are fairly uniform and they are even on both sides of the stem.
Allan
I believe the term “blood quill” comes from the fact that immature feathers have blood in the shaft.
I guess I should say while they are on the live bird there is blood in the shaft not in the feathers you buy. 
[This message has been edited by Jayatwork (edited 06 July 2006).]
Hi All! Sorry for the delay replying. I have been “out of the office” for a bit. Thank you very much for your replies. This was exactly the info I was looking for. I knew someone here would know!
Thanks!!!
Bob