Bent broken feathers

DRB

Well-known member
Jan 23, 2016
1,024
75
Ohio
Parrots
Perjo - Female CAG hatch Nov 2015
Once in a while Perjo flies around and a feather gets bent or sits funny, she will fidgets with it for some time.

I never intervene or try to grab the feather but is it best to just let her fuss with it and resolve it on her own?

I think she’s trying to chew it to get it loose and rid herself of the annoyance.
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,666
10,057
Western, Michigan
Parrots
DYH Amazon
You are correct to leave the feather for her to adjust. Young Parrots are just really hard on their feathers and their being ratty or twisted is fairly common.

Yes, when a feather becomes twisted or even bent, they are uncomfortable. This results from the normal position and shape of each feather is by design 'registered' with the one next to it on either side. This to support flight and the ability to maintain or adjust body temperature. When out of position or shape the Parrot quickly becomes aware of the issue.

NOTE: Long feathers that are bent near the end are less of an issue.

In many cases, the Parrot is able to adjust the position or slightly straighten a bent feather. If it is seriously out of position or bent, it will either itself or with the help of the Parrot become loosened to a point that it falls out.

It is very important to keep an eye on loosen feathers as young Parrot have a higher likelihood of blood feathers being damaged and bleeding become a real problem.
 
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noodles123

Well-known member
Jul 11, 2018
8,145
472
Parrots
Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
My "too" usually deals by herself...NON-BLOOD FEATHERs ANYWAY...
 
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ChristaNL

Banned
Banned
May 23, 2018
3,559
157
NL= the Netherlands, Europe
Parrots
Sunny a female B&G macaw;
Japie (m) & Appie (f), both are congo african grey;
All are rescues- had to leave their previous homes for 'reasons', are still in contact with them :)
Feathers "out of place" are really annoying for birds, but it's best to let them deal with it. So thats great.
 

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