How do all you fly tying types prefer to have your bird skins, hackles etc preserved? Do you like them tanned, dp, or just salted? I plan on saving a bunch of chicken skins so they don't go to waste I want to market them through my shop to fly tyer's. I figured Tanned was the way to go but not sure of the effect of Lutan on the feathers.
Thanks
Shelby
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They want them to have as little oil on the feathers as possible. The feathers should have no "splits" which is where the feather comes apart and can not be preened back together by hand. The best way to preserve a chicken for fly-tying is to skin it, degrease on the wire wheel, wash the sin a few times in COLD Dawn and water, then air dry. Tumbling to remove more dirt and oil afterwards is optional. Most use diatomaceous earth or corn starch for that task. Corn starch is MUCH easier to remove from the feathers. It just blows right out with the hair dryer and doesn't get gritty in your eyes like DE does.