Is picking up bird feathers unsanitary or harmful?

It’s possible that feathers can have traces of poop on them but they’re no more likely to have that than anything else our kids pick up on the streets – I don’t worry about it.

Healthy? No biggie.

Legal? Depends on the bird. Protected species can’t be touched, even if dead.

Birds do carry lice. However, if you wash your hands well after handling, you will be fine.

There is also the low but real risk of catching West Nile Virus.

I doubt it. I’ve never had any problems.

Highly unlikely, but maybe wear gloves and definitely wash your hands after – gloves or not.

If you own a pet bird, I would advise against handling feathers from wild birds. They may carry mites which you could pass on to your pet. They wouldn’t cause you any harm though.