Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 June 1902 — Plucking Ostrich Feathers. [ARTICLE]

Plucking Ostrich Feathers.

During the plucking of his feathers the ostrlct feels no pain. The process Is simple. Over the head of the ostrich Is placed'a long bag with a breathing hole in one end. One man holds the bird while another cuts with shears the long feathers, only those of the wings and tail being taken. The short feathers, being ripe, are pulled out without pain, as they would soon drop In the course of nature. The stumps of those that are cut remain In until three weeks later. Sometimes the bird picks tire stumps out herself. The feathers on the back and abdomen drop ofT. The feathers of the male bird are the more valuable.