New Feather

[Taw5106]

Today while I was giving Buddy a extra long and generous head rub, I noticed a couple of things. The first a bald spot and the second a new feather still incased in the feather shaft with the feather started to "flower" out, like a duster. I'm not worried about the bald spot, the new feather will just add more green coverage. I was intrigued by the new feather and how it grows. So much different from hair or fur. I think I find it interesting after having to deal with a cockatiel that had a feather break that wasn't molting and lost a lot of blood due to the feather breaking but the shaft still being fully intact.

If I moved my scratching Buddy would turn his head so my fingers would rub around that new feather. Has anyone experienced that? Are new feather growth itchy?

 

[henpecked]

yes they are itchy but only after they are mature(ripe). The new feather you are describing is ripe and ready for you to remove the outer sheath. If it was still growing,full of blood and tender he would not let you touch it, muchless turn to bring it to your attention. The new "pins" often get caught up in the down feathers and they want you to "straighten" them out but will fuss if you try and break the sheath. pay close attention and they will show you how to do it.

 

[Taw5106]

Thanks! Should I try to break the shaft or sheath or let it be?

 

[getwozzy]

You can try to break the sheath by gently pinching it with your fingernails and slowly rub your fingernails together -if it is ready, it will fall apart, if not ...he'll let you know, usually a squeal and sometimes an added nip so be very gentle when applying pressure

 

[Taw5106]

OMG, OMG, OMG, I scratched it and pinched it in the middle of the shaft, no pulling and got yelled at LOL! He said it's not ready lol. Now he's "calling" me. No, no, NNNOOO!!! He's perfectly fine, no issues, just fussy. If the whole thing was on video you'd be cracking up, I actually did. Lol.

 

[getwozzy]

LOL!!! Whoops!!! See- he let you know! Haha try again in a couple days or look for other pins that are ready.

Usually I look for ones that have the new feather poking out a bit like a mini feather-duster.

 

[Taw5106]

I just rubbed him aggressively again, he let me know it's not ready. I understand, but he's a punk that is funny. He couldn't make up his mind if he wanted some scratching or wanted to give continuous complaining, lol.

 

[getwozzy]

Awww poor guy molting can be really tough on some of them!

How often does he bathe?

 

[henpecked]

You both will have it figured out before long. He'll have you trained in no time. BTW Jake and i always "discuss" if a feather is 'ripe" or not. LOL like i said, sometime they want you to just "adjust" the new pins and not break the sheath. Watch for their reaction and go slow. They'll show you how.Get it right and you'll be the "man". Most times it's just the act of checking that endears them to us. I've got to make a video on how to preen.

 

[Taw5106]

Lol right? Today he was demanding a head scratch, eyelids closing, I made the wrong move got growled at and got "the look", his head popped up on full alert. Then his head went back down and he pushed his head back into my hand, repeat that whole scenario, lol. He's even been pressing his head against the bars if I come close to his cage. Now the funny part is his cage is open so he can come out but he stays in his cage. He feels safer there.

As for baths, he's been taking showers twice a week now for about a month. This was a big challenge we just recently succeeded at. He doesn't stink anymore, his feathers are brighter, shiny, soft and look beautiful.