Understanding Feather Dusters

Understanding the Types of Feathers: Floss, Black, Drab (Gray/Brown), Chick

Floss feathers are the softest ostrich feathers available, and come from the underneath part of the ostrich bird’s wing. They are typically light gray, brown, or blonde in color—and tend to be shorter in length.

Black feathers only come from the adult male birds, and are softer and more “stringy,” in nature, making it a more premium feather.

Drab (Gray or Brown) feathers come from adult female ostrich birds. This includes the larger and longer plume feathers as well as the shorter drab feathers. Gray or brown drab feathers are also obtained, however, by young birds of either gender with their “second-growth” feathers (“second growth” feathers defined below).

Chick Feathers are the most economical and least desirable of the ostrich feathers. They are called chick feathers because they are typically obtained from young ostrich birds less than one year old. These “initial growth” feathers are more pointed and sharp, and are inferior compared to the more desirable softer/rounder feather plumes called “second-growth” feathers. Our company does not use inferior chick feathers in any of its products.

Why We Use South African Ostrich Feathers

South African ostrich feathers are well-known as the best ostrich feathers available on the world market. Since the mid 1800’s, ostrich birds have been farmed in the Western Cape Region of South Africa—specifically in the arid region from Mossel Bay to Oudtshoorn. They are a unique sub-species—cross-bred over time—officially known as Struthio camelus var. domesticus Swart.* The quality and reputation of feather production in the area is the result of many factors, including bird genetics, generations of experience/traditions carried on by skilled farmers, and the suitable arid weather and soil suitable for farming.

*(The Ostrich, Anita Holtzhausen & Marlene Kotze, p. 16)