Herbs

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I want to start an herb window garden in my dorm so I'll always have yummy fresh spices when I cook. Is there anything in particular I should keep in mind and/or is there a gardening community someone can redirect me to?

Also, I found some feathers while out walking today. Now, since the age of 10 or so, I haven't picked up bird feathers because every time I did, my parents were right behind me screaming "EEWWW! Put that down, don't you know how dirty birds are?!??"

So my question is thus:
a) Are birds really that dirty, or is this an urban legend? and
b) If birds are gross, how can I clean the feathers without making them all matted and not-feathery?

Thanks everyone!