Cut away the excess fibers (cut close to quill) so there is less to remove.

I'd recommend wetting the quills in warm water before stripping them,
then use a solution of **25**% bleach, 75% water. While they're
soaking, prepare a stop-bath of baking soda (3 Tbsp) and cold water (4
cups) to douse them in to stop the bleach's action which should keep the
quills from getting unduly brittle. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air
dry COMPLETELY before putting them away.

When you're ready to use the quills, wet a paper towel and fold it in
half, then place the number fo quills you plan to use between the folds
of the towel so they're easier to tie with.

If you'e going to dye any of the quills, make sure they're soaked in
warm water prior to dyeing, and remember, they look darker when they get
wet than they are.

Larry

Larry L wrote:

so, I went through my stuff and have several picked over necks, only sizes
I'll never need left

as I walked towards the garbage, that dim little bulb in my head went "quill
bodies"

what is the right, easy, way to strip hackle for the quill?