Ostrich Products South Africa focuses on delivering the highest quality ostrich feathers to local and international markets. Since its inception, OPSA has been the preferred supplier of ostrich feathers for the fashion industry, typically showcased in costumes for theatre, fashion shows, avant-garde performances and carnivals around the world.
There are six types of ostrich feathers used, which includes:
The large plumes or wing quills are called ‘whites’ or ‘feminas’.
Byocks are the three to five black-and-white feathers at the end of the row of large white wing feathers.
The long upper wing coverts are the second and third rows of feathers on the outer edge of the wing, above the wing quills.
The soft, downy feathers underneath the ostrich wing are called ‘floss’.
The long tail feathers are harvested from the tip of the ostrich’s tail.
Sides or ‘bodies’ are the feathers in front of and behind the bird’s powerful thighs.
On average, the body feathers of an ostrich can total 850 - 900 g per bird and the wing feathers around 240 g per bird.
Ostrich feathers are versatile in use, as they serve both functional and decorative purposes. Ostrich Products South Africa product range includes boa’s, neck warmers, hairpieces, pencils and key holders. They also cater to weddings and other occasions, as white feathers are used to decorate rooms or tables and small feathers dyed in bright colours are used as an alternative to confetti. Ostrich Products South Africa also supply bulk feathers to companies that manufacture ostrich feather dusters and other feathery contraptions.
South Africa was the first country in the world where ostrich farming started on a commercial basis, in the mid-1820s feathers were harveste...