Is this insect damage on these feathers?

[Craig Hardt]

Ordered a full ruffed grouse skin recently that arrived about a week ago but hadn't taken a close look at it until today and I pulled a few feathers out to tie with. I expect a few damaged feathers on a skin but I'm seeing there are a lot with broken barbs (see pic for a couple of examples). Opinions on if this is insect damage or something else? Regardless of the cause I'm requesting a refund or replacement from the seller.

 

[Wanative]

Ordered a full ruffed grouse skin recently that arrived about a week ago but hadn't taken a close look at it until today and I pulled a few feathers out to tie with. I expect a few damaged feathers on a skin but I'm seeing there are a lot with broken barbs (see pic for a couple of examples). Opinions on if this is insect damage or something else? Regardless of the cause I'm requesting a refund or replacement from the seller.

View attachment 49365

Yes. Moth larvae I believe.
Were there any residue or crumbly grit like substance in the bag.

 

[ABITNF]

Hard for me to tell. If there's residue in the bag like bug excrement than I'd say yes. I've seen some pretty sad looking bird skins. Keep in mind these are wild birds and feathers on wild birds can sometimes be a little tattered.

 

[Norm Frechette]

i dont think it insect damage

i have many bird skins that have feathers with broken fibers. even whitings best capes some

see @ABITNF comment above

 

[Craig Hardt]

Thanks all for chiming in. I must not be used to wild birds and the amount of natural wear they can have.

 

[Draketake]

Craig,

I keep all my feathers and hair, in closed ziplocks. If I get a wild skin/patch it goes into my freezer for a few weeks, in a ziplock, prior to coming to my tying desk. I learned this the hard way.

Happy Tuesday.

Bob

 

[Scott Salzer]

Dermestids (sp?), carpet beetles. They like feathers.

 

[SculpinSwinger]

Craig,

I keep all my feathers and hair, in closed ziplocks. If I get a wild skin/patch it goes into my freezer for a few weeks, in a ziplock, prior to coming to my tying desk. I learned this the hard way.

Happy Tuesday.

Bob

Freeze, thaw, refreeze is my procedure. Many eggs overwinter and hatch in the spring.

 

[Draketake]

Good idea SS.

 

[longputt]

That can easily be damage from the pen, particularly for young birds in a pen.

Even young wild birds have rough edges. Out of 100 ruffed grouse I've shot I'll bet one was a mature bird and it is crazy how beautiful they are.

SS's suggestion is great.

 

[JayB]

Freeze, thaw, refreeze is my procedure. Many eggs overwinter and hatch in the spring.

Sound advice. Learned the hard way via some feathers I acquired at an estate sale...