Feathers happen.
They happen to some of us more than others of us, but ultimately when they happen to one of us, they happen to all of us.
For instance, say one member of the household was born with feathers. The other one was born without feathers.
The one with the feathers may from time to time decide he would like new feathers. Decision made, he might discard several (hundreds) of his less-lovely feathers in exchange for new even lovelier feathers.
Like so.

When this occurs, it is the universal sign for the one without the feathers to play her biologically-mandated part – which of course is to sweep up the discarded feathers.
Pronto.

Author: Shannon Cutts
Co-Author: Pearl Cutts
We have three rescued feather-makers. This place is awash in feathers; I can’t keep up!
Haha – I can just imagine!! Little feathery factories!