Pin Feathers

[Sierrasmama]

Hi,
I'm new. I have a 2 year old Blue and Gold Macaw. What is the best way to break her pin feathers without hurting her. She has a lot around her head and neck but I seem to hurt her every time I try to break them. I usually pinch them between my finger nails. I do spray her every day.

 

[MikeyTN]

You mean to get the skin off of it so the feather peeks through? There's no need to do that as they will preen that off themselves.

 

[kendrafitz]

Usually the ones on the head/face come right off Rosie when they are ready. If it is hurting, then it probably isn't ready to be preened.

Rosie likes me to preen her daily, several times a day. I use my nails gently or you can can gently rub. She likes me to do everything but her belly & wings.

As long as it doesn't hurt them, it can be a nice bonding activity.

 

[Luke252]

Agreed, the feathers will grow out themselves. Preening is a really good bonding activity, it just sucks when you got three birds that all want you to do them at once.