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Parrots/Jenday Conure feather problem

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Expert: Jennifer - 10/18/2007


Question
My conure has new tail feathers growing in and two of them have a "shaft".  I thought that it would eventually grow on out but it has been there for more than a week.  Should I do anything or will Sancho take care of it?

Answer
Hello Paula,

Sancho will take care of it. The head feathers are the ones he will need help with. To preen those feathers start at the tip of the feather (not the base of the head) and gently rub the casing between your fingers. You will soon learn what is ready and what is not, Sancho will tell you.

The casing protects the growing feather. Growing feathers have a blood supply so extra protection is needing to prevent damage that can cause bleeding. Depending on the bird the molting and regrowth of a single feather can take days to weeks. I'm not concerned about 1 week. However if the new feather has completely grown in and still Sancho does not take care of this can indicate a couple of things. One, that Sancho didn't learn to properly preen from exposure to adult birds. Or that Sancho is sick. In either of these cases Sancho would need to be examined by his avian veterinarian.

Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com

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Jennifer

Expertise

I can help with any parrot care, behavior, and training questions. I have worked and lived with many parrot species of all sizes, including (but not limited to) cockatoos, macaws, greys, amazons, budgies and cockatiels. I have extensive experience in working with behavior challenges. I am not a breeder. Questions related to breeding should be sent to other members on this site. If you have a question about a health concern my answer to you will be to take your bird to an avian veterinarian immediately. If you need to locate an avian vet let me know your general location and I can help. I am not an avian veterinarian. I cannot and will not diagnose any medical condition so please do not ask. I can guide you in what questions and tests to ask for from your avian veterinarian.

Experience

I have 12 years experience working in wildlife facilities as an animal caretaker, manager, and educator. Most recently I worked as Zoo Education Coordinator for the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. My past experience includes serving as the Education Manger of a local parrot rescue. As the Education Manager I developed and implemented a parrot behavior consulting program, a seminar series for parrot owners, and a workshop series for professional animal rescuers. I most greatly enjoyed the time I spent working one on one with parrot owners. Currently I work as a private parrot behavior and training consultant, helping people live happily with their pet parrots. I live with a Red Lored Amazon, cockatiels, and budgies. I have shared my home with many foster parrots that included a variety of species.

Organizations
World Parrot Trust, The Amazona Society

Education/Credentials
My educational background includes a degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management with a specialization in Wildlife Education.

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