Preening

[getwozzy]

I have a few questions regarding preening...
Today Jackie let me thoroughly preen his head and neck for the first time- he sat very still for me, head bowed, eyes closed, and being very patient with me.

How often should I preen him? Is there details I should know about breaking the shafts? Any other info about preening I should know?

 

[SandyBee]

Awwww

Preening can be a daily activity it is just as much about bonding as it is about breaking the feather shafts.

Just don't break shafts that aren't ready, Bosley let's me know with a little noise if they are swollen and not ready.

 

[getwozzy]

He didn't make any noise or move at all with any of the ones I worked on... He just sat there lol is there another way to tell when they're not ready? Or just wait for him to tell me?

I got pretty lost in the moment- I think I was preening him for at least 10 minutes lol

 

[SoCalWendy]

Awwwww I love it when they close their eyes. It shows trust and contentment. Way to go!

 

[MikeyTN]

As long as you don't rub it too hard you should be fine. If they dislike something your doing and if its hurting they will let you know.

 

[getwozzy]

Ok, thanks mike... I figured I'd ask and figure this preening thing out so I don't end up doing something wrong. It seems pretty simple and straightforward though.

I've just been waiting for him to let me be more hands on with him- I think this is somewhat of a big step for him, considering his attitude when we first brought him home.

 

[SandyBee]

Ok, thanks mike... I figured I'd ask and figure this preening thing out so I don't end up doing something wrong. It seems pretty simple and straightforward though.

I've just been waiting for him to let me be more hands on with him- I think this is somewhat of a big step for him, considering his attitude when we first brought him home.

Huge Progress!!
Congrats
Bosley is a big baby, I even go near a feather he doesn't want me to touch he makes a groan or a yip. I'm sure Jackie will let you know!

 

[getwozzy]

Huge Progress!!
Congrats
Bosley is a big baby, I even go near a feather he doesn't want me to touch he makes a groan or a yip. I'm sure Jackie will let you know!

Thanks Sandy

I bet he will! I was waiting for him to whip around and get me the whole time LOL but no... Just sat very quietly, turning his head whatever way so I could reach, fluffing his feathers to maximum fluff capacity, I think his eyes were rolled into the back of his head lol I was thinking "is this happening?? Who is this bird?!" lol

 

[kendrafitz]

Rosie wants me to preen her every day, several times a day. If she is just hanging out with me and she feels the need for me to get working she lets me know. She bumps me with the top of her beak, looks me in the eye and scratches where she wants me to preen.

I agree that he will let you know if it isn't a good feather to touch.

 

[getwozzy]

Rosie wants me to preen her every day, several times a day. If she is just hanging out with me and she feels the need for me to get working she lets me know. She bumps me with the top of her beak, looks me in the eye and scratches where she wants me to preen.

I agree that he will let you know if it isn't a good feather to touch.

Lol! So cute maybe one day Jackie will get to that point, but for now it's baby steps.... I just do what he asks