Why do you think this is happening

scarlettdread

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Nov 5, 2020
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orange winged amazonica amazon parrot
I found this feather in my Orange Winged Amazon parrot's cage today. There are wing roots on the nape as you can see in the pictures. Do you think this is normal?

I had a somewhat stressful and tearful day. I wonder if this floating could be upset?
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Rival_of_the_Rickeybird

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None. My wife has one too many. Kidding!
I'm no expert, but there are plenty here. Looks like normal molting of a clipped feather to me. No more tears, now, you'll get help here.
 

LaManuka

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No need for tears here! The feather from the bottom of the cage looks like a previously clipped wing feather that has been shed, as Rival has pointed out, and a new one will grow in it's place soon. The one growing in his neck is a pin feather, again that is growing to replace one that has been moulted out. In time the casing around it will dry out and flake away, and your Amazon will probably appreciate your help in gently removing it when that time comes. But be careful around those new feathers, they can be very sensitive while they're growing! :)
 
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scarlettdread

scarlettdread

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orange winged amazonica amazon parrot
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No need for tears here! The feather from the bottom of the cage looks like a previously clipped wing feather that has been shed, as Rival has pointed out, and a new one will grow in it's place soon. The one growing in his neck is a pin feather, again that is growing to replace one that has been moulted out. In time the casing around it will dry out and flake away, and your Amazon will probably appreciate your help in gently removing it when that time comes. But be careful around those new feathers, they can be very sensitive while they're growing! :)
Thank you so much. Glad that

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wrench13

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Yes, that is 100% a feather that has been shed, and it is a clipped one, likely from his wing. He is molting, perfectly normal. BUT, if he is molting out his clipped wing feathers, the new ones that replace those will mean he regains the ability to fly and you must take precautions so he does not fly out of doors or windows. Every one in your family must be aware of this, so he does not escape! Also - be very careful when cooking becasue he could fly into the kitchen and land on the stove or oven! My Amazon is regaining his flight abilities and we have to put him in is cage when my wife cooks, because he likes to fly into the kitchen when she does cook. Kitchens are dangerous places for parrots in general.
 
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AmyMyBlueFront

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Jonesy a Goffins 'Too who had to be rehomed :-(

And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
Agree...your Amazon is molting and that is just a clipped feather.



Jim
 

Birdman666

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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Normal molting, but your bird's feathers do look like a good soaking bath would do him good. During molting time, increased bathing helps. They're generally uncomfortable with all those new feathers coming in, and frequent bathing helps those to open. Your bird has lots of pin feathers coming in by the looks of it. (So do mine right now!) It's normal...
 

AmyMyBlueFront

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Amy a Blue Front 'Zon
Jonesy a Goffins 'Too who had to be rehomed :-(

And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
Normal molting, but your bird's feathers do look like a good soaking bath would do him good. During molting time, increased bathing helps. They're generally uncomfortable with all those new feathers coming in, and frequent bathing helps those to open. Your bird has lots of pin feathers coming in by the looks of it. (So do mine right now!) It's normal...

Amy has a bunch of pinnies...even on his face :eek:...the poor guy,every morning when I uncover him he comes to the edge of his house with his head down wanting me to skritch..of course I oblige him. :)



Jim
 

Birdman666

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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Yep. I did Sally's face the other day.

It's that time of year. Mine are both molting and becoming hormonal at the moment!

YIPPEEEEE!
 

noodles123

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Noodles is also molting a bit--lots of pin feathers. When the white parts show on the feather shafts,see if your bird will let you touch them at all. If so, GENTLY, try to pinch them/roll them a bit (without twisting the actual feather shaft or the red/pinkish base). They tend to preen each other in the wild and they can get itchy etc without help. If your bird doesn't want help, don't force it (some get super sensitive and cranky about this-- the blood filled base needs to stay unbroken and they are often sensitive)....Mine likes the help but she's also very tame and overly tactile lol!
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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DYH Amazon
As covered by those above, your Amazon is clearly molting.

The feather found in the bottom of the cage is a wing flight feather from the left wing, a primary wing feathers from near the outer leading edge of the wing in an area that the feathers are shaped to cut the air. Who every cut this feather cut it far too short! FYI: Never take your Amazon to that person...

Note: Amazons tend to molt flight feathers across the full year with a balanced molt of commonly two 'wing' flight feathers from each wing. So, look for a few more in the days and weeks ahead.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Amazons!
 
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