How do I prepare nettles please?

[dingdangdegu]

I am picking and drying some plants for my degus. I keep seeing nettles and wonder does anyone else pick and dry these? How is it done without getting stung and can they still sting when dried?
Thanks a lot

[deguconvert]

Nettles are fine for degus to eat . . . however the HOW of collecting and drying them without being stung . . . I've no idea, having never done it myself. My thought is that a good pair of leather or dense rubber gloves that have a long sleeve on them, should protect your skin, but I can't verify it from experience. Sorry. I hope someone else can give you a more experienced answer.

[Deleted]

Try this guide: scandinavianfood.about.com/od/cookingtechniques/ss/Nettles.htm