How to Preserve Turkey Tail Feathers

Turkey tail feathers form a fan.

Turkeys are covered with feathers, but the most interesting feathers are the tail feathers. This is because these feathers make the shape of a fan when together. If your turkey passes away you can save one of the tail feathers, or all of them. Preserve the the turkey tail feathers and then create a centerpiece with them. Teachers or home educators could also preserve turkey tail feathers to use as a prop with students.

Things You'll Need

• Natural bristle brush
• Waterproof insect repellent
• Shadow box

Instructions

1. Brush dirt and dust off of the turkey tail feather with a natural bristle brush. Support the back of your tail feather with the palm of your hand and then brush going with the vane of the feather.

2. Adjust the turkey tail feather to your liking. You can do this with your fingers. Just hold on to the quill and begin fanning out the feather.

3. Spray your tail feather with a waterproof insect repellent. In addition to making the feather waterproof, the insect repellent will keep bugs from damaging your turkey feather.

4. Display your preserved turkey tail feather in a room with low lighting. Light will fade the color of your feather. Your best bet is to mount the tail feather, or collection of tail feathers, in a shadow box.

Tips & Warnings

• If your turkey tail feather becomes damaged in any way it will be hard, if not impossible, to repair.

References

• "Picture Framing Magazine": Caring for Feathers