feather casings

[Kitty]

As some of you already know, my beautiful boy has a brain tumour. I've been inconsolable for weeks but I've now come to terms with the fact that he's going to die so I'm trying my best to remain strong during his last days.
I've been taking him to the vets for regular check ups and at the moment his illness is stable (which is great news) however he's unable to balance as well as he used to which means he struggles to groom himself in those hard to reach places...Basically, he's not pulling the feather casings off his new feathers so his plumage looks like a load of drinking straws!

Over the past few days I've been gently teasing the feather casings off with my fingers while he sits on my lap...Is this ok? It doesn't seem to bother him and I've always helped him with the odd feather but I just thought I'd double check!

 

[SandyBee]

Awww, so sorry to hear about your baby.
Yes pulling the feather casings off is fine (preening) You might run into one that's not ready, your boy will show discomfort and just don't pull that one. Preening is great bonding and a loving experience.

 

[Terry57]

I think he appreciates you helping him groom I help my guys with the pin feathers they can't reach.
I am so glad to hear he is stable. I am very sorry that you and he are going through this

 

[Kitty]

Thanks SandyBee and Terry

He doesn't seem uncomfortable with it and I've been doing it to the odd feather here and there for years...but these days he looks more like a porcupine than a bird and he totally relies on me to groom him. I've been trying not to preen him for more than 15 minutes a day but I hate seeing him looking a mess because I know he's a proud boy...

 

[MomtoPercy]

Aw, the poor boy He's lucky to have such a loving, caring mom to take care of him. ((Hugs)) to you both