Hello Im new & have some questions

[sockys_mom]

Well, I had some parakeets when I was a kid, so I'm really no bird expert...I'm 33 and just now going for a little bigger bird. I have a quaker Parrot named Socky. I've only had her for about 1 month and have some questions about the feathers' quills. I posted this in the Quaker section, but figured any type-bird owner could probably help me.

I hope I don't sound too stupid but I'm new to this whole bird keeping thing. My Quaker has lost a bunch of feathers on her head. Then a bunch of new really really thick, darn thick quills are growing back in it's place. They've been there for about a week. They're so big and pointy I can't even touch it's head. I'm assuming this is just the normal process of feather growing, but can someone tell me if that is normal. The placement of such thick quills is weirding me out. She looks so silly. And if so, how long does it take to turn into normal feathers?

Thanks guys

 

[WolfmoonCT]

I believe it's normal. The feathers come out in a shaft that needs to get broken, then falls off. Alot of books tell you that you can pinch the shaft and it can be broken off. Especially the head ones that the bird can't reach. But over time with scratching, the bird should be able to get the shaft off on it's own.. just like in the wild.