Deb, please don't get too carried away. The Spey cock was a breed of
chicken that may now have disappeared, but would hardly be considered as
an endangered species. Thousands of other breeds have also disappeared.
Man has messed with the breeding of poultry far more than most other
domesticated species (easier for many reasons).
As you suggested, the original Spey-cock feathers (I know it's picky,
but I think it's important to capitalize the "S" in Spey) do appear to
be more like schlappen, but with a thinner quill. For the unfamiliar,
while there is a resemblance in appearance but not size, today's
salmon-pattern throats are often tied with hen-neck feathers.
One entire series of salmon flies used eagle marabou; turkey marabou is
an acceptable substitute.
Cheers,
Paul
http://www.galesendpress.com
--
Paul Marriner
Outdoor Writing & Photography. Member OWAA & OWC. Author of Stillwater
Fly Fishing: Tools & Tactics (Print [NEW] & CD), Modern Atlantic Salmon
Flies, Miramichi River Journal, Ausable River Journal, and Atlantic
Salmon.
