preen gland question

TacoNTiki

New member
May 27, 2015
263
0
Calgary, AB, Canada
Parrots
Taco: female cinnamon pearl cockatiel - hatched: ~September 2013, Gotcha date: Nov 29th, 2013
Tiki: Male yellow-sided green cheek conure - hatched April 10th, 2015, Gotcha date May 24, 2015
I have heard the GCC have a preen gland at the base of the body in the area where the tail feathers begin (on the top side). But, I don't know what it looks like. When we first adopted Tiki, I looked for it and couldn't really see anything, but a couple of days ago I saw a white downy feather right at the spot that it should be. Is this the preen gland, does it look like a downy white feather, and does it not develop until around age 4-5 months? I thought it strange that it wasn't there until now. Tiki is 21 weeks old.

Thanks.
 

Nakiska

New member
May 30, 2011
787
0
Washington
Parrots
4 Cockatiels 2 males Chicken Little & Charlie, 2 Females Chiquita and Sweet pea. Yellow Sided Green Cheek Conure -Franklin and our now tame, rescued feral Pigeon - Belle.
nakiska-albums-our-birds-picture3305-more-preening.jpg


Here is a picture of my guy Franklin using his preen gland...yes, it is that little white feather :)
 

Skittys_Daddy

Well-known member
Jan 6, 2014
2,173
65
Lewiston, Maine
Parrots
Neotropical Pigeon - "Skittles" (born 3/29/10)
Cockatiel - "Peaches" (1995-2015) R.I.P.
Budgie - "Sammy"
(1989-2000) R.I.P.
Budgie - "Sandy"
(1987-1989) R.I.P.
Like Nakiska's picture shows, the preen gland is located at the bottom of the back just before the tail feathers begin. I don't think it's anything you can see without moving the feathers. I do know that during their annuals, the vet does check each of my birds preen gland.
 

Nakiska

New member
May 30, 2011
787
0
Washington
Parrots
4 Cockatiels 2 males Chicken Little & Charlie, 2 Females Chiquita and Sweet pea. Yellow Sided Green Cheek Conure -Franklin and our now tame, rescued feral Pigeon - Belle.
nakiska-albums-our-birds-picture3306-ways-they-can-twist-their-bodies-when-they-re-preening.jpg


And one more pic of Franklin, just because he's sooo cute! LOLOL Also shows his preen gland. :)
 
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TacoNTiki

TacoNTiki

New member
May 27, 2015
263
0
Calgary, AB, Canada
Parrots
Taco: female cinnamon pearl cockatiel - hatched: ~September 2013, Gotcha date: Nov 29th, 2013
Tiki: Male yellow-sided green cheek conure - hatched April 10th, 2015, Gotcha date May 24, 2015
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Thanks to both. Yes Franklin is very cute indeed.. And we all know how cute skittles is :)

So yes, it is exactly as your first picture. Tiki didn't have this until this past week. Does anyone know if they are not born with it, or is it just more noticeable after a certain age?
 

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