Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Where do the feathers come from?

Answer 1: Our springs come from selected raw material suppliers from South Africa, China, India and other countries. Most feathers are feathers from slaughtered animals that are used for food. These feathers are then washed, disinfected and dried. Other feathers are so-called collection feathers, which are collected by workers in the fields and fields. This is the case, for example, with peacock feathers, as they are not bred for meat and leather production.

Question 2: Are feathers infectious or do they transmit bird flu?

Answer 2: The feathers we sell have been examined by a veterinarian. This is a condition that Europe places on the import of animal products. Our suppliers also undertake to disinfect animal products in accordance with European guidelines. Disinfection takes place using two methods. The goods are either treated with steam and pressure, like in a pressure cooker, so that bacteria and parasites do not survive, or a gas mixture is created in a specially airtight room with formalin and potassium permanganate, which acts on the feathers over 24 hours and kills parasites. Animals contaminated with bird flu cannot be imported either, as the quarantine regulations require all suspected animals to be killed and burned. Therefore, you can purchase goods from us without hesitation. Bacteria and viruses are also killed by the dyeing and bleaching process.

Question 3: What packaging sizes are there?

Answer 3: Most of our feathers are loose feathers. Depending on their size, these are sold in kilos or as sorted pieces. Kiloware is available packaged as loose goods in bags of 20g each. This is a packaging size that is most frequently requested and is therefore available as standard in our range. Depending on the unit price, loose piece goods are available in packs of 10 or as individual pieces. When it comes to trimmings, we sell the products piece by piece or by the meter.

Question 4: Do you sell to traders or to end customers?

Answer 4: We sell our feathers primarily to traders from the carnival trade, florist supplies, hat supplies, production for fashion and dance sports, advertising agencies, uniform supplies, shooting supplies, theater, revue or travesty. If you have a business in one of these industries, simply send us your business license and you will receive our trading prices. The prices in the online shop are aimed at hobbyists and private individuals.

Question 5: How and where can I order?

Answer 5: If you don't have a business, the easiest way is to order via our online shop. If you have special requests, such as custom-made products, you can contact us by telephone (+49 (0) 8105 / 8276), by fax (+49 (0) 8105 / 23373) or by email gollwitzer.gmbh (at) t-online .de reach. As a business owner, you can register in our shop and receive activation for BusinessToBusiness access after receiving your business license.

Question 6: What are spadonnas, blondes or ostrich plates?

Answer 6: Spadonnas, blondes and ostrich plates are all ostrich feathers. Depending on the region of the body, the ostrich has large, long and magnificent feathers or shorter, downy feathers. Spadonnas are the wing feathers of young ostriches. These feathers are relatively thin at the tip but are still approx. 50-60cm long. Blondes are softer, smaller feathers and are approximately 30-40cm long. These feathers are often used on hats as beret feathers or for small fans and feather collars. Ostrich feathers are the large feathers from the ostrich wing. It is important to note that there are male (MaleWings) and female (Feminas) wing feathers. The Feminas are significantly thinner and narrower from the magnificent MaleWing. The male ostrich plate is very wide, voluminous and full and therefore of higher quality but also more expensive than the cheaper Femina.

Question 7: Are your feathers real bird feathers?

Answer 7: All of our feathers are real bird feathers. To our knowledge, there are currently no artificial feathers because the structures of the feathers cannot be technically produced at an economic profit. However, there are imitation feathers or structures that are printed on textile. There are also plastic casts for turkey quills or goose quills, but these are in no way close to the original feather. We do not stock such artificial feathers. With us you always get real bird feathers. 

Question 8: Do you have any exotic or eagle feathers?

Answer 8: Since we work with natural products, we attach great importance to sustainability. You will not find any exotic species or feathers from protected animals here, as we support the European Bird Directive and the Washington Convention on Endangered Species. These prohibit the sale of protected animals