[kb2rocket]

well seeing that I had no idea how to make bird feet and I didnt ask anyone and I dont even know where to buy cast feet heres what I did . .
I started the same way you all did with copper wires soldered together and the ends sharpened to make claws but once it was time to put some meat on those bones I took a different route I wraped thread and or string around the wire until it is the thickness I want then move on to a different part of the wire until you have a leg then coat it with the glue of your choice and detail it as it drys then paint
hey it worked for me
...Keith

[Hugh]

Well I might as well jump in here. I use the copper wire also, cover it with 2 part epoxy usually. Ducks feet I carve from wood. I carved a puffin recently, stood him on a granite rock with copper legs, and after getting frustrated with trying to fit the feet to the flat part of the rock, I used Kulis Karvit, (2 part epoxy) flattened it to form a 1/4 in sheet, placed it on the rock at the bottom of the leg, used a sharp tool and cut it to the web shape. Then used dental tools to detail the scales and the claws from the green epoxy. This took the shape of the rock, and adhered very well.
There's not as much gloss as showing in the photo. I guess the flash highlites the finish.

[icarve2003]

Looks good Hugh.

The next feet (and legs)I have to do is for a Great Blue Heron. Not looking forward to that.

I bought some hollow copper tubing for the legs. I guess the 2 part epoxy would be the best thing to cover it.

I used that epoxy for the feet on my Saw Whet Owl and I like the way you can use a knife to detail it while it's still soft.

Chris.

[dart]

I've always made my birds feet and legs using 5 pieces of steel wire and then wrapping the wire with black thread. Then I coat it with an oil base paint. Kind of fun to make too.