In order to make Down comforters, do the animals have to die? ANd are down alternatives pretty much the same?

Answer 1

Feathers come from birds -- chickens & geese mostly for the type used in down comforters, pillows, clothing, etc. The birds are not alive when plucked. Down alternatives are made from synthetics.

Answer 2

Most of the geese used are live plucked in the spring. The down is used for warmth in the winter, and falls out in the warmer weather. I did this for years, and it is a b**** to pluck dead, wet birds.

Down alternative is an equal substitute. The better quality ones have the same insulating quality, without the tendency to cause allergies to flare.