Just mounted a PinTail Drake that had bent tail feathers from the client. Was wondering if there is anyway to straighten them after it has been mounted. Mounted on 4/14/04. Can wing feathers be straightened after mounting.
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if you steam them. Some are tougher than others but they can all be made straight. If the center shaft is broken make an angle cut with a razor blade and super glue the ends together.Wing feathers can be done the same way but I hold them in the position I want while they cool.Good luck.....JL
There are always choices depending on the condition of the feathers. I straighten out all the feathers during the washing phase. When the feathers are wet, they can be easily straightened as you would like. Straightening after they have dried in an unnatrural bend is more challenging. If the feather spine is actually bent at a sharp angle, you will need to bend it back. If it is just curved and the spine is not visably bent, steaming or rewetting works well. If you are interested in forming the feather tips in an attitude that resembles being resistant to the wind, you can purchase a small tool designed by Danny Owens that handles the task easily, or you can purchas a curling iron and use it - just be careful with the heat. Straightening dry feathers will take some time so be patient. Good luck
I've also got a goose that is dry and he has a ripple effect to the further out feathers on his wing. When you guys talk about steamers how much and where can a guy pick one of these up?
Thanks
You can buy steamers for many prices. But a clothing steamer that is made for travelers works as well as any. cost about ten dollars.
Tony