HopefulMonster wrote:The feather plumes are all individually hand tied w/ upholstery strength thread, and then hot glue is used to glue them into the bum. Because feathers are a natural material, they *can* dry out and deteriorate over time.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conserv ... f_feathers
This gives a basic rundown on the info, but essentially sunlight, dust, humidity and a number of other conditions affect the condition of feathers. This is why birds molt, to grow fresh new feathers that are undamaged.
Thank you so much! That was really informative. (and huh, carpet beetle larvae is something I deal with on a regular basis at work. We call them "pad worms".) I hope to get Xin sturdy enough to be able to accompany me on a trip or two.