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everdusk · Mar 24, 2016

It's that time of the year...

Does anyone else feel like they are trying to defuse a tiny bomb when they are preening pin feathers? One wrong move and SNAP! I just realized that I barely breathe when Marz puts me to task at eliminating those pesky quills around his head and neck. No wonder I get dizzy!

Not going to lie, I do enjoy helping out, I could probably spend hours doing it if he would let me.

How do you guys feel about grooming a your fids?

JerseyWendy · Mar 24, 2016

All of mine LOOOOVE a helping hand.

Granted, my big macs help each other out, as do my Amazons, but as soon as either of them is on me, they make sure and let me know which spots were missed.

I think it's a GREAT bonding experience.

I try to be gentle, and none nip at me, but when I do get a hold of a particular tender shaft, they let me know. :54:

everdusk · Mar 24, 2016

Yes! Got to get to those hard to reach spots! My guy doesn't have a friend to help so it's down to me. His feathers are so tiny, I think I'm slowly getting better at it. He does keep coming back for more! We've only had him 5 days now and it's perfect timing, definitely a great bonding activity!

OOwl · Mar 24, 2016

I preen my guys because they surely won't be helping each other but after over a decade of this, I developed a "protocol." I lay a newspaper down on the table and sit said pin-feathered parrot on newspaper. I lightly hold beak in my left hand, almost like a brace they can "lean into" with two fingers and I preen with my right hand. All the dried sheaths fall to the paper, creating a pile of white shavings. If I should happen to hit a sore spot, I have the beak in my two fingers and I can feel it start to "snap" and deflect it. I haven't been bit in YEARS during the preening process. The birds quickly learn that the paper on the table and the beak hold is just part of the season and eagerly submit to the process. It works on my Grey as well as my parrotlet.

wrench13 · Mar 24, 2016

That's a great idea. When I used to preen Max I would hit a tender feather and I would get a small nip. Salty has not gone into his first molt yet but I am not looking forward to getting the same way from him.

henpecked · Mar 24, 2016

I've been preening MsJakiepoo for many, many years. We always discuss wether or not a pin is ready. I usually can tell but if it's too tender she gives me a small squawk. She then turns her head and insist i move on to the next one. Preening is something we do year round on a daily basis, i even preen her down feathers, eye lashes, hairs around her cere, etc. I preen her whole body, not just her head. You want to bond, learn to preen.

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Toucan mess...

First batch of chop

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