How to Harvest Peacock Feathers

Male peafowl have prized tail feathers that are a natural work of art. These peacock feathers are often used in crafts and artwork or can be displayed in a vase to decorate a home or office. Once you find some peacocks, collecting their tail feathers is as simple as taking a walk at the right time of year. Peacocks lose their tail feathers every year, and most of the features can be found in perfect condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Peacocks
  • Zoo or peacock owner
  • Rubber bands
  • Bucket or base
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a zoo or someone who has male peafowl, also known as peacocks. Many zoos have free-ranging peacocks. Or look for private breeders or owners. Usually they are in rural areas where the peacocks' loud cries are less of a nuisance.

    • 2

      Ask a zoo official or peacock owner whether you can collect tail feathers. Most have plenty to spare.

    • 3

      Walk around where the peacocks roam to find dropped tail feathers. Males drop their tail feathers in the fall after breeding season and when the weather starts to cool. Peafowl don̵7;t travel far so finding the long feathers should be easy.

    • 4

      Wrap a rubber band around the base of a handful of feathers to keep them together and prevent losing any. Put the rubber band on the shaft of the feathers below where the actual feathers start--you don't want to damage the feathers.

    • 5

      Store the peacock feathers in a bucket or large vase to prevent their getting bent or damaged. Store the feathers this way until you are ready to use them.