I can't decide where I stand on this one. I used to love collecting feathers that I found as a child, and I'm sure I never washed my hands straight after handling them. Now I wince when little ones want to pick up feathers. I usually let them but then make sure they thoroughly wash their hands as soon as possible. I had to draw the line today though, when DD found a disembowelled (sp?) pigeon (was fascinated as 'currently' wants to be a vet) and wanted to take a feather home from the scene

We have been on two outings recently. One to Kew Gardens, where the leader, who obviously loved nature was insistent that the children didn't touch any feathers, and another outing on our local common where they were touching everything they found - obviously responsibly and within reason. I loved seeing the kids so brave and interactive.

I have googled it and found different opinions. What are your thoughts?