Are Feathers Really Covered in Germs?

As an environmental educator, I have answered this question many times. You shouldn't worry too much about kids picking them up. Sure they have germs but not like the germs than you would find on a playground or on a grocery cart at the store.

You may have heard that feathers have bugs (lice) and shouldn't touch them. Well they do have "bugs" but they are bird "bugs", and if there are any "bugs" on the feather when you pick it up and they get on the child it wont take long for them to figure out they are not a bird and find somewhere else to be.

Do becareful not to collect feathers as this is illegal due to the migratory bird treaty act. Many nature centers etc, have to have permitts to have these in possesion even nests are protected from collection. I once heard about a man getting a ticket for having an owl feather in his truck when he got pulled over. He didn't know it was illegal.

Feathers are a great teaching tool, don't be afraid to pick it up, have kids try to identify the bird. Use it to make a feather inpression. Take a piece of paper and rub a crayon on the paper with the feather underneath. Then leave the feather for the next kids to enjoy.

If you ever have any other questions about nature let me know I would be happy to help you out.

You can also buy feathers at craft stores, they come in many colors and have been santitized. Kids love making crafts with them.

Happy feather hunting!

I like Heather's response. :)

Everything we touch has germs, and our bodies have amazing abilities to fend them off called immunities. Please let you sons explore their world.

Hi K.
Yes they are covered in little mites and germs . If they do pick them up make sure they wash their hands right away . I always tell my kids do not touch any thing eles until we can wash their hands or some how clean their hands .

EVERYTHING is covered in germs. Children touch things all the time just wash their hands after and all should be good. I was raised on a farm and constantly touching animals, we were to wash our hands but as children we didn't always wash them. i was rarely sick and missed maybe one day every 3 years while in school.

I let my boys pick them up (and other things that are probably even worse) as part of exploring nature, but I always make them wash their hands well afterwards or before they move on to the next activity, go inside, eat, etc. Happy exploring!