Clumsy me

[rangerktc1]

Was wondering if anyone had ideas to help.

I was eating some of my wife's birthday cake Monday while Bianca was in my lap. Didn't realize I had a smidge of icing on my fingers when I went to rub Bianca's head. When I looked down, I saw I got a bit of pink food coloring in her crest feathers

I sprayed her head with water and tried wiping out with a towel but no luck.

It's been 2 days and its still there. Anyone have any ideas? I know its not harmful but the pink color sticks out on her beautiful white plummage.

 

[noodles123]

Lol! There is an enzymatic cleaner that I have used to remove blood....Not sure how truly safe it is (as it says to keep away from beak), but it gets decent reviews online and it is designed for birds and reportedly natural...One odd thing---some people are mentioning that it has a smell, and mine has no detectable smell AT ALL (I have a sensitive nose)---at least one other poster said it was only her new batch that had a smell, so IDK what that is about...mine has no scent....
https://www.chewy.com/natural-chemistry-ruffled-feathers/dp/132117
Instead of spraying it on the bird, I spray it on my fingers and rub it into the stained spots--AGAIN--it does sound like the most recent formula might have changed since I got mine, as I don't smell it at all, but that's what I use in a pinch. Sometimes it takes a few applications...Due to the warning about the beak, I wouldn't use it if you think your bird is going to immediately dive into the damp feathers---obviously the makers are aware that birds preen, so some of that is surely acceptable...Nevertheless, I am not that well-acquainted with the product, but I can say that I have used it without (apparent) ill-effects.

 

[plumsmum2005]

I would not worry and think it will come off eventually with regular showers.

 

[Siobhan]

Just let it wear off. It will in a few days.

 

[Betrisher]

You could pat on some diluted hydrogen peroxide. I don't know whether it will harm the feathers, so try it on a moulted one first.

 

[wrench13]

Years ago, I got a BIG blop of mayo on my little yellow wing parrot ( Brotogeris), square in the shoulders. A mild solution of Dawn, unscented, and careful application and washing got it off. Dab it on the colored area,, gently work it in, and then warm water rinse off, keeping care to avoid the eyes and mouth.

They use Dawn to remove heavy petroleum products on sea birds after oil spills. Pretty sure it will be fine on your 'too.

 

[rangerktc1]

Thanks for the advise guys!. It seems to have started to wear off a bit. I think I'm just going to wait another week or so with her normal showers before trying anything else.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Ok, don't take this the wrong way but I am laughing at this very much. Hahahaha. I think if she were my bird and I knew it was just remnents of food dye I would giggle at her behind her back for however long it took to wash out or molt out. Take pictures, this will be a funny memory for you guys one day.