[stewdog]

I was wondering what types of chickens are prefered for their hackle feathers? Also what types of other natural materials are used such as fur? Thanks for any help

 

[Fly Guy]

Just about all animal fur can and is used: commonly, squirrel, deer, fox, rabbit, muskrat and bird feathers used commonly are grouse, pheasant, pecock, ostrich and turkey. Not real sure on the chicken breeds though. Good saddle hackle is genetically breed by places like Metz.

 

[stewdog]

thanks, I have some buddies at work who tie there own flies and this year i'll be raising chickens to butcher. At mcmurray hatchery they have a fly tyers special so I might raise those so i can gve the hackle feathers to them. As far as other materias i have squirrel, fox and deer fur i can give them.