No mites. lol These came from the tail of a rooster that got out. I grabbed him by the tail to catch him and he jumped out of his tail feathers and flew up into a tree. I put them in a plastic bag where they stayed for several months. I haven't seen any signs of creepy crawlers. I wouldn't have them inmy house. You sound like a very good mom. If you win I will try to find a very special feather for your little one.