Small parrot feathers needed (for education)

I have recently begun working with a local kindergarten class teaching avian education. I am planning an upcoming program about parrots and rainforest conservation. Another thing we are learning about is feathers, including understanding that it is not okay to pick up feathers in the wild, but it IS okay to have feathers from non-native birds (like parrots).

I know my students would be SO delighted if I gave each of them a small parrot feather as part of the upcoming lesson. Are there any parrot owners here who might be willing to save some feathers during their birds' molt and send them to me if I were to pay for postage (within the USA)? I would be looking for brightly-colored feathers (Macaws, Conures, etc) that are about the length of a finger. We have 18 students in the class.

Thank you!

Why isn't it okay to pick up feathers in the wild? I'm not saying you're wrong I have just never heard this before and I am curious. You could also try looking for rescues or breeders in your area that would give you some feathers that parrots have dropped.

I save my feathers and give them to a coworker that has cats. She makes toys for them. I would not have a problem sending you some. Cockatiel feathers would be just right for size.
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I can send you Macaw and Amazon feathers.

LadyJemima said:

I have recently begun working with a local kindergarten class teaching avian education. I am planning an upcoming program about parrots and rainforest conservation. Another thing we are learning about is feathers, including understanding that it is not okay to pick up feathers in the wild, but it IS okay to have feathers from non-native birds (like parrots).

I know my students would be SO delighted if I gave each of them a small parrot feather as part of the upcoming lesson. Are there any parrot owners here who might be willing to save some feathers during their birds' molt and send them to me if I were to pay for postage (within the USA)? I would be looking for brightly-colored feathers (Macaws, Conures, etc) that are about the length of a finger. We have 18 students in the class.

Thank you!

Click to expand...

Sorry in advance for being picky, but with the exception of a few 'Parrots' that 'migrate' into 'Rain Forests,' No Parrots live in Rain Forests.

The Parrots of the World live in areas that range from very wet and hot - know as Jungles, and then into drier areas that are not as wet or hot, into light forested areas and then into the drier Plains.

The miss conception start years ago when there was this belief that by calling Jungles: Rain Forests, people would be more concerned about saving Jungle Regions. This all based on a 'fear' that many people had that Jungles are dangerous places and should not be saved. Where as Rain Forests are these magical /beautiful places that people naturally want to save.

This miss conception has lead the the death of many Companion Parrots. Their Humans believing that their Parrots would be much happier living in these magical /beautiful places than being trapped in a cage in their home. So, they will drive to these Rain Forested Areas and release their Parrots knowing they will be happier.

So, What is the Problem with Releasing Parrots in Rain Forests! In one Word: Winter!!! Yes, Winter happens in Rain Forests and anything in Rain Forests that is not Naturally Found in Rain Forests Dies during the Winter Months!

Take great care not to miss represent the Natural Ranges of Parrots. Also understand that Many People live under this miss conception and that without taking the time to carefully explaining why Rain Forests are dangerous /deadly to Parrots you will get a great deal of Push Back!

Jungles are amazing places, well worth saving in their own right!

Owlet said:

Why isn't it okay to pick up feathers in the wild? I'm not saying you're wrong I have just never heard this before and I am curious. You could also try looking for rescues or breeders in your area that would give you some feathers that parrots have dropped.

Click to expand...

The vast majority of bird feathers found naturally are a great source. One concern is that you need to know whether the feathers you are collecting are not from an endangered species, since having those feathers can result in fines.

Why isn't it okay to pick up feathers in the wild? I'm not saying you're wrong I have just never heard this before and I am curious. You could also try looking for rescues or breeders in your area that would give you some feathers that parrots have dropped.

Click to expand...

The vast majority of bird feathers found naturally are a great source. One concern is that you need to know whether the feathers you are collecting are not from an endangered species, since having those feathers can result in fines.

Click to expand...

SailBoat -- close, but not quite. Any part of any bird (including feathers, eggs, and nests) which are sourced from migratory birds (native birds) are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Thus, it is only legal to obtain these parts from (a) game or domestic birds (turkeys, chickens, quail), or, (b) non-native species (House Sparrows, Starlings, Rock Pigeons). Parrots, of course, fall under "non-native."

Sorry in advance for being picky, but with the exception of a few 'Parrots' that 'migrate' into 'Rain Forests,' No Parrots live in Rain Forests.

Click to expand...

Sorry, I was not quite clear. I am going to start with rainforest conservation (because that's something that the class knows about) and use it as a lead-in for conservation about parrots. Not that parrots live in the rainforest.

Sending messages to those who responded!

LadyJemima said:

Why isn't it okay to pick up feathers in the wild? I'm not saying you're wrong I have just never heard this before and I am curious. You could also try looking for rescues or breeders in your area that would give you some feathers that parrots have dropped.

Click to expand...

The vast majority of bird feathers found naturally are a great source. One concern is that you need to know whether the feathers you are collecting are not from an endangered species, since having those feathers can result in fines.

Click to expand...

SailBoat -- close, but not quite. Any part of any bird (including feathers, eggs, and nests) which are sourced from migratory birds (native birds) are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Thus, it is only legal to obtain these parts from (a) game or domestic birds (turkeys, chickens, quail), or, (b) non-native species (House Sparrows, Starlings, Rock Pigeons). Parrots, of course, fall under "non-native."

Sorry in advance for being picky, but with the exception of a few 'Parrots' that 'migrate' into 'Rain Forests,' No Parrots live in Rain Forests.

Click to expand...

Sorry, I was not quite clear. I am going to start with rainforest conservation (because that's something that the class knows about) and use it as a lead-in for conservation about parrots. Not that parrots live in the rainforest.

Click to expand...

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 sparked an interest, so I did a little research on my State's Website and did in fact find it 'referenced' as part of several legal actions take against individuals regarding endangered species. Thanks for the heads up. Teaching the very young to not take Feathers (etc...) has merit.

I have provided several informational presentation regarding Parrots to third graders. In doing so, I am continually surprised by the flood of information that had been provided and just as likely heard that was dangerously wrong.

I understand the advantage that 'linking' provides. Take great care that clear separation is well in place. Personally, I would take them on as separate subjects on separate days. But, that is just me.

You sound well prepared for presenting the subject matter. I make not judge at all, only passing along a tiny bit of knowledge gained over far too many years.

Enjoy!!!

My Patagonian is of course from the arid, blusterry steppes of Patagonia!
I think his feathers would either be too long (wing primaries/tail) or too short, body/secondaries) but I'll keep an eye out.

FYI -- I am still in need of 10 feathers for my classroom. Any help wold be appreciated!

Pm me your address and I will send out the ones I have gathered up.