"They are rather vital to the business." Gabe agreed. Phoenix feathers were an important wand ingredient, though they were not shed in great amounts, making them rare at the same time. Gabe might not have the experience Ethan did in actually making wands, but he grew up surrounded by the magical animals whose parts made the cores.
"So long as you don't try to pluck them... they don't like that." Gabe pointed out with a grin. All of the feathers they sold were shed naturally.