Pin feather on Cockatiel’s head

[Minor_Arcana]

Well here I am again, asking yet ANOTHER question about Lexa....

She has had this since I got her (in April) but I thought it was just from her being so young and that it would go away sooner or later. I know that when Cockatiels molt, they usually preen the pin feathers, but since this one is on Lexa’s crest, she can’t preen it. It is not causing her any discomfort that I can notice. She doesnt really like head scratches that much and she doesn’t scratch her head with her feet, either.

Does anyone know what to do to get rid of it?

 

[itzjbean]

Yes sometimes they get these long ones that refuse to come off! In households with more than one bird usually feathered friends help each other out by preening each other and helping the pin loosen but in this case you may have to gently hold her in place while gently touching the pin, don't pull at it but you can try flicking it a little just to keep loosening it.

I also recommend she get baths, in the shower with you or spray bottle bath, they help with the molting process and itchiness that it brings on.

Hope that helps and hope that darn pin comes off soon!

 

[munami]

Does she like showers? For some pin feathers Luna won't let me groom, I just let her sit in the shower or at least in the bathroom with me while I shower. The humidity at least helps her get them out. She should be able to scratch her own head with foot as well.

 

[noodles123]

Sometimes if you have a rough toy in the cage they will rub up against that to remove them---if it gets itchy enough, she may welcome a head scratch.