Ostrich plumes are gathered by cutting them from the bird’s body. The process is called “plucking” and is usually done by hand. Plucking an ostrich can take up to two hours and the resulting feathers can be up to three feet long.
Ostrich plumes were once a popular item used in hatmaking and as a result the trade in ostrich feathers was once big business. In the early 20th century there were more than 200 ostrich farms in the United States and the feathers were harvested for the millinery trade.
Today ostrich farming is still done in many parts of the world including the United States South Africa and Australia. The feathers are used for a variety of purposes including making feather dusters and decorative items.
How many ostrich plumes can be gathered from one bird?
Up to 60
How are ostrich plumes gathered?
The feathers are plucked from the bird.
How often can ostrich plumes be gathered from one bird?
Every 2 to 3 years.
How many birds are needed to supply the ostrich feather trade?
About 400000
What is the main use for ostrich plumes?
For decoration particularly in the millinery trade.
What is the value of 1 kg of ostrich plumes?
Between $500 and $1500
What country produces the most ostrich plumes?
South Africa
What is the average length of an ostrich plume?
About 75 cm
How many buyers are there for ostrich plumes?
About 500
What is the average number of plumes bought by a single buyer?
Between 10000 and 20000
What is the average price of an ostrich plume?
Between $5 and $20
How are ostrich plumes typically sold?
In bales of 200 to 400
What is the average weight of a bale of ostrich plumes?
Between 20 and 30 kg
How many plumes are in a bale of ostrich plumes?
Between 8000 and 10000
What is the average number of ostrich plumes in a kilogram?
Between 170 and 200
