Metz Genetic Rooster Neck

Rooster necks provide a wide variety of fly sizes; you will commonly find feathers from size 20 or 24 up to 6 or 10 on a given neck. They have barbs that are less webby than hen feathers. 

Today's genetic rooster feathers are longer and have a higher barb or bristle count than ever before. Colors are more uniform, and you will tie higher quality flies with these feathers. Metz feathers are an excellent choice for any fly tying.

We carry rooster neck #1 (when we can get them), #2 and #3 grade feathers. #1 grade necks are in short supply and (in Dad's opinion) aren't as cost effective for fly tying. The hair extension craze has gobbled p many of the higher quality necks and made many hard to get. We do carry a few #1 saddles (which are more plentiful and very cost effective).

Higher grades (#1 is the highest; #3 is the lowest) have more sizes per pelt, better barb count, and longer feathers. You will get close to 2/3 more flies from an average #2 grade pelt than from a #3 grade pelt. Higher grades have longer feathers with uniform length barbs. Many fly patterns are tied with grizzly, dun, and brown colors. Necks also contain a larger variety of sizes than saddles or capes.

Dad Says

Don't think of a #1 neck (cape) as tying better quality flies than a #3 neck. You can tie flies that look just as good with a #3 neck as with a #2. Think of higher quality pelts as tying more flies more easily. Also, you will likely be able to tie smaller flies (#24 and #26) with the higher grades than with the lower grades. consider purchasing a single light color neck and using markers to color or dye them for pattern colors you use infrequently.