Blue bird feathers are prized possessions for crafters, artists, and collectors alike. Their bright blue hue is unmistakable and sought after. But with blue birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, collecting their feathers in the wild is illegal without proper permits. The good news is that you can farm raise blue birds and collect their naturally molted feathers. This allows you to obtain these beautiful feathers ethically and legally.
Selecting Blue Bird Species
There are three main species of blue birds found in North America that can be farmed for their feathers:
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is found throughout eastern North America. Males sport brilliant royal blue backs and heads, while females are more muted blue-gray. Their bellies are reddish-brown. Eastern Bluebirds nest in holes, preferring those in dead trees. They migrate south in winter.
Western Bluebird
The Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) lives along the Pacific Coast. Males are bright blue on the back and head, with an orange throat and breast. Females are gray-blue above, with gray underparts. They nest in holes in oak woodlands and migrate south in winter.
Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) inhabits open country in western North America. Breeding males are sky-blue all over, while females are grayer blue and white below. They nest in holes in aspens, fence posts, and other sites. Northern populations migrate south in winter while southern ones are resident.
All three blue bird species have feathers suitable for farming. The brilliant blue coloring in males makes their feathers especially attractive. Females tend to have duller plumage overall.
Creating Blue Bird Habitat
Blue birds are cavity nesters, meaning they nest and roost in holes. When setting up blue bird habitat for farming their feathers, providing nest boxes for them is key. Below are tips on how to create an attractive blue bird habitat:
Nest Box Design
– Use a nest box designed specifically for blue birds. The interior should be at least 4×4 inches and no larger than 5×5 inches, with a 1 1⁄2 inch diameter entrance hole located 5-6 inches above the floor.
– Face the entrance hole towards an open area away from prevailing winds. Include ventilation holes for airflow and drainage.
– Attach the nest box 4-5 feet above ground on a tree, post, or pole in an open, grassy area. Face east for warmth in the morning.
– Avoid areas near bird feeders to prevent nest competition. Leave at least 100 yards between boxes to give each pair space.
Nest Box Maintenance
– Clean out old nests and sanitize boxes with a 10% bleach solution after each nesting season to prevent parasites.
– Replace boxes every 2-3 years or repaint to refresh. Watch for deterioration.
– Attach predator guards to poles below boxes to deter raccoons, snakes, cats, and other wildlife.
– Monitor boxes weekly during nesting season and remove invasive house sparrow eggs and nests promptly.
Habitat Features
– Ensure open, short grassy areas are available for foraging on insects. Leave some bare ground exposed.
– Scatter dead trees or install snags that blue birds can perch on while hunting.
– Provide a shallow birdbath, fountain, or drippers for drinking and bathing. Change water regularly.
– Grow berry producing shrubs like dogwoods and elderberries to provide wild food sources.
Attracting Blue Birds
To bring blue birds into your feather farming habitat, start by making your property enticing to them:
Reduce Threats
– Use predator guards to protect nest sites.
– Keep cats indoors or supervise time outside.
– Reduce or eliminate pesticide use which reduces insects that blue birds eat.
Provide Food
– Offer live mealworms in feeders which blue birds favor.
– Maintain native plants that support caterpillars and other invertebrates blue birds feed on.
– Put up suet feeders with insect or fruit suet cakes to provide calories.
Offer Nesting Sites
– Erect suitable nest boxes in prime habitat before breeding season.
– Consider a blue bird trail system with multiple boxes spaced appropriately.
– Replace old nest boxes and maintain them properly.
Use decoys and playback
– Hang plastic blue bird decoys near boxes to attract them.
– Play recordings of blue bird calls and songs to draw them in during breeding season.
Caring for Blue Birds
Once you have attracted blue birds to your property, some management is required to maintain their numbers and collect feathers:
Monitor Nests
– Keep track of which boxes blue birds use and when eggs are laid. Expect 1-2 broods per season.
– Watch for issues like house sparrows evicting blue birds and remove the eggs.
– Do not disturb nests once eggs are laid except for brief checks.
Reduce Competition
– Ensure enough nest boxes are available to minimize competition.
– Block off entrance holes of unused boxes to prevent other species from taking over.
– Remove invasive house sparrow nests promptly. They are very aggressive.
Offer Supplemental Food
– Keep live mealworm feeders stocked once eggs are laid through fledging.
– Provide suet cakes to help adults feed their young.
– Consider offering shelled nut pieces and berries once chicks are older.
Control Parasites
– Clean out old nests after young have fledged to remove mites.
– Use diatomaceous earth or pyrethrin powder in nest boxes to kill parasites.
– Provide fresh water for bathing to discourage mites.
Collecting Blue Bird Feathers
The feathers you can collect will come from natural molting, not directly from live birds. Here are some tips:
Check Nest Boxes
– Once chicks have fledged, remove the old nest material. Blue bird feathers will be mixed in.
– Gently sift through the nest and pick out any blue feathers shed during brooding.
Search Roosts
– Blue birds roost in cavities at night, sometimes congregating in the same box.
– Check roosting boxes in the morning before birds leave for shed feathers.
Wait for Molting
– Molting occurs in late summer and early fall after breeding season.
– Increase protein in feeders to help new feather growth.
– Find greater quantities of high quality feathers then.
Ethical Collection
– Only collect naturally molted feathers. Never pluck them directly from live birds.
– Take only a portion of feathers found to allow reuse of some in nests.
– Leave feathers that are broken or of poor quality.
Storing and Preserving Feathers
To best preserve blue bird feathers after collecting:
Selecting Feathers
– Inspect feathers and discard any that are badly damaged, torn, or faded.
– Choose fully formed, intact feathers showing good color.
– Store only the nicest feathers for later use.
Cleaning
– Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris from feathers. Avoid washing.
– Air dry any damp feathers fully before storage.
– Optionally fumigate feathers in a sealed container to kill pests.
Storing
– Place feathers in reseal able plastic bags or archival paper envelopes.Foil-lined bags prevent fading.
– Store feathers flat and protected from light to prevent damage.
– Maintain low humidity and cool temperatures for preservation.
Documenting
– Label feathers with species, date collected, and any other details.
– Photograph feathers against a neutral background for records.
– Keep an inventory of feathers collected.
Using Farmed Blue Bird Feathers
Blue bird feathers have many special uses once collected. Here are some ideas:
Crafting
– Add feathers to jewelry pieces like necklaces, earrings, and hair clips.
– Embellish handmade stationery, journals, and other paper crafts.
– Adorn clothing like hats or jackets by threading feathers through seams.
Fly Tying
– Their small size makes them perfect for intricately tying fishing flies.
– Dye feathers different colors using fabric dyes if desired.
Taxidermy
– Use blue bird feathers for accurate taxidermy mounts of the species.
– Sell high quality feathers to taxidermists for their work.
Native American Crafts
– Blue bird feathers are prized in Native American ceremonies and regalia.
– Trade with tribes needing feathers respectfully and legally.
Collections
– Display choice blue bird feathers in specialty frames or cases.
– Preserve special feathers as keepsakes or gifts for bird lovers.
Conclusion
Farm raising blue birds to harvest their feathers can be deeply rewarding. Following proper habitat management, ethical collection methods, and preservation techniques allows you to enjoy these special feathers. With care and dedication, your blue bird feather farm will yield beautiful plumage for years to come. Be sure to stay within all legal requirements when collecting or selling blue bird feathers. With the right approach, you can become a successful and responsible blue bird feather farmer.
