Pin Feathers

[Scotty T]

Do you think it's a bad idea to help your baby's pin feathers along?

She really seems to like it when I softly help here remove some of the wax covering.

 

[brianlinkles]

Not at all. I do it for Dorothy all the time! If she was still with her clutchmates they would do this for each other!

 

[Rio Mom]

It's a good bonding experience for you and your bird too

 

[suebee]

lol its the only time nut is submissive with me!! and as rio said great for bonding

 

[Mamanda]

Do you think it's a bad idea to help your baby's pin feathers along?

She really seems to like it when I softly help here remove some of the wax covering.

Ok - I promise I'm not a stupid person ... although this is going to sound very stupid ... What exactly does this mean? I know what pin feathers are, but how do you "help" them along?

 

[IcyWolf]

[/QUOTE]Ok - I promise I'm not a stupid person ... although this is going to sound very stupid ... What exactly does this mean? I know what pin feathers are, but how do you "help" them along? [/QUOTE]
Sometimes birds will let you rub their little pins between your fingers which will help that casing to open up and expose the feather. My too let me do it all the time, ziggy doesn't really let me pet her and billy will let me give him neck scritches when he has pin feathers but he doesn't like if I actually try to open them up at all.

 

[Scotty T]

I squeeze the wax around them and let it crumble off.

 

[Mamanda]

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[JamesC]

Try not to work at the ones that are still growing and have blood in them. If you squeeze one of those to break it open it can be painful for your bird. I don't know if there are nerves in there or maybe the blood squeezes back into the body but if I accidentally nip one of those on Tootsie she will react as if it hurts. Generally she is happy to let me crack them open and help the feather to emerge. But now that I have Rosa here, they are taking care of each other's feathers. Which I don't mind because those beaks are much better at doing the service than my thick fingers. I'll just have to make sure that I get that snuggle and bonding time other ways.

 

[Mamanda]

Keen was so NOT into my helpfulness.

 

[Amber]

My little guy likes some help with his pins. he will come over and bow his head for scritches. If one is still growing and I accidentally try to scratch it (don't worry, no damage, no blood) he cracks them though.