PARROT FEATHERS
Don’t forget your parrot needs to be groomed if it is to stay happy and healthy. The good news is that grooming a bird is a lot simpler than grooming most other pets. There is no need for brushing or using messy shampoo. But to a parrot cleanliness is very important.
A healthy parrot will preen his feathers to make sure they are clean. Preening is when a bird moves his beak through the feathers making them neat and clean. It’s not unlike when we comb our hair. Birds that fly know that it is much more difficult to fly with dirty feathers than when they are clean and well groomed. Preening should be encouraged as a normal behavior of your bird.
Your parrot’s feathers also help protect it from heat, cold and water. If its feathers are nicely preened and groomed they are better able to resist moisture - important when trying to fly. Well groomed parrot feathers also insulate it from extreme temperatures. Birds normally have high body temperature so the parrot feathers help them retain heat and stay warm. Those parrot feathers are also used to show off. Attracting a mate is important and a bird’s feathers are crucial in this process. It’s little wonder a bird spends so much time preening.
Any parrot owner should become familiar with the several different types of feathers your bird has.
*Contour feathers are the large feathers covering the parrot’s body and include the flight feathers and tail feathers.
*Flight feathers are found on the wing and consist of the 10 primary feathers at the end of the wing and 10 secondary flight feathers found closer to the body.
*Tail Feathers are pretty self-explanatory but very important.
*Semiplume feathers located underneath the contour feathers and help with the bird’s insulation.
*Filoplume feathers are thin hair like feathers with a long shaft. They are used to help feel the position of the bird’s other feathers.
*Bristles are the small, stiff feathers around the beak, nostrils and eyes.
Down is the undercoat of fluffy feathers beneath the contour feathers that help a great deal with insulation.
*Powder down is the closest to the skin. It crumbles during preening spreading throughout the other parrot feathers as a white powdery substance. It helps with waterproofing, insulation and keeping the feathers clean.
Parrot feathers are really a very complex structure. They made up of four parts. The quill is the hollow end of the feather. The shaft is the long stem of the feather. Emanating from the shaft are the barbs, barbules and barbicels. The barbs are the strands coming from the shaft. The barbules and barbicels are very tiny structures that zip together to hold the feather together and give it strength.
Healthy parrot feathers are generally shiny (except in cockatoos, African Greys and some Amazon parrots). Check the feathers of your parrot for stress bars. These are dark or discolored lines that appear in new feathers when a bird is ill or going through a period of stress. Other causes of these stress bars can be malnutrition of as a result of taking antibiotics. If you see these see these lines it’s best to get your bird to the veterinarian to determine the cause.
Another sign of illness or malnutrition is a significant change in the feather color that is not the result of the normal maturing process. If you can’t account for the color change it’s time to see the veterinarian.
A healthy parrot will preen his feathers to make sure they are clean. Preening is when a bird moves his beak through the feathers making them neat and clean. It’s not unlike when we comb our hair. Birds that fly know that it is much more difficult to fly with dirty feathers than when they are clean and well groomed. Preening should be encouraged as a normal behavior of your bird.
Your parrot’s feathers also help protect it from heat, cold and water. If its feathers are nicely preened and groomed they are better able to resist moisture - important when trying to fly. Well groomed parrot feathers also insulate it from extreme temperatures. Birds normally have high body temperature so the parrot feathers help them retain heat and stay warm. Those parrot feathers are also used to show off. Attracting a mate is important and a bird’s feathers are crucial in this process. It’s little wonder a bird spends so much time preening.
Any parrot owner should become familiar with the several different types of feathers your bird has.
*Contour feathers are the large feathers covering the parrot’s body and include the flight feathers and tail feathers.
*Flight feathers are found on the wing and consist of the 10 primary feathers at the end of the wing and 10 secondary flight feathers found closer to the body.
*Tail Feathers are pretty self-explanatory but very important.
*Semiplume feathers located underneath the contour feathers and help with the bird’s insulation.
*Filoplume feathers are thin hair like feathers with a long shaft. They are used to help feel the position of the bird’s other feathers.
*Bristles are the small, stiff feathers around the beak, nostrils and eyes.
Down is the undercoat of fluffy feathers beneath the contour feathers that help a great deal with insulation.
*Powder down is the closest to the skin. It crumbles during preening spreading throughout the other parrot feathers as a white powdery substance. It helps with waterproofing, insulation and keeping the feathers clean.
Parrot feathers are really a very complex structure. They made up of four parts. The quill is the hollow end of the feather. The shaft is the long stem of the feather. Emanating from the shaft are the barbs, barbules and barbicels. The barbs are the strands coming from the shaft. The barbules and barbicels are very tiny structures that zip together to hold the feather together and give it strength.
Healthy parrot feathers are generally shiny (except in cockatoos, African Greys and some Amazon parrots). Check the feathers of your parrot for stress bars. These are dark or discolored lines that appear in new feathers when a bird is ill or going through a period of stress. Other causes of these stress bars can be malnutrition of as a result of taking antibiotics. If you see these see these lines it’s best to get your bird to the veterinarian to determine the cause.
Another sign of illness or malnutrition is a significant change in the feather color that is not the result of the normal maturing process. If you can’t account for the color change it’s time to see the veterinarian.
SHOULD I CLIP MY BIRDS WINGS?
Wing clipping could be labeled one of the most controversial subjects in aviculture. There are many reasons why some bird owners choose to clip their bird's wings, and just as many reasons why some bird owners do not. While wing clipping is generally recommended for most captive birds, the decision to trim a bird is one best left to the individual owner.
Aside from ensuring that their pet doesn't accidentally fly away, the biggest reason that most bird owners clip their pets is for safety. Indoor life poses perils that birds do not normally face in the wild, such as windows, ceiling fans, ovens, doorways, sinks, and toilets. Clipping a bird's wings can help limit their access to dangers such as these.
Another reason that many pet birds have their wings clipped is because it forces the bird to be more dependent on its owner. Many believe that this can serve to enhance the bird/human bond, although there are countless flighted pet birds that enjoy close relationships with their human families.
Those on the other side of the fence contend that depriving a bird of its ability to fly can cause physical and psychological damage. Many argue that the benefits of flying -- exercise and mental stimulation -- far outweigh the risks of injury to a pet bird, provided they are properly supervised
Putting some thought into the reasons for and against wing clipping will help you make the best choice for your pet. Talk to your avian veterinarian and get his or her input, and discuss the options with your family members. With careful consideration, you are sure to make a decision that will satisfy the needs of both you are your favorite feathered friend.
Aside from ensuring that their pet doesn't accidentally fly away, the biggest reason that most bird owners clip their pets is for safety. Indoor life poses perils that birds do not normally face in the wild, such as windows, ceiling fans, ovens, doorways, sinks, and toilets. Clipping a bird's wings can help limit their access to dangers such as these.
Another reason that many pet birds have their wings clipped is because it forces the bird to be more dependent on its owner. Many believe that this can serve to enhance the bird/human bond, although there are countless flighted pet birds that enjoy close relationships with their human families.
Those on the other side of the fence contend that depriving a bird of its ability to fly can cause physical and psychological damage. Many argue that the benefits of flying -- exercise and mental stimulation -- far outweigh the risks of injury to a pet bird, provided they are properly supervised
Putting some thought into the reasons for and against wing clipping will help you make the best choice for your pet. Talk to your avian veterinarian and get his or her input, and discuss the options with your family members. With careful consideration, you are sure to make a decision that will satisfy the needs of both you are your favorite feathered friend.
Body/feathers
Preening: African Greys and other birds "preen" their feathers. This means they clean them by taking each feather and sweeping their tongue along it. You will also see them rub their heads against the base of the tail. This is where the preen gland is located and an oil is emitted that they will then rub onto their feathers.
Fluffing or Ruffling: Your African Grey will fluff its feathers when it is relaxed, as a way to relieve tension, if it is cold, and even during the preening process which helps it to remove dirt or feather dust. If your bird remains fluffed for a long period of time and is unusually quiet, fluffing can also be a sign of illness and you should contact your avian veterinarian.
Flattened Feathers: When African Grey Parrots are afraid, they will flatten their feathers.
Body Quivering: An all over trembling body means your African Grey Parrot is afraid of something. This is usually accompanied by wide, staring eyes and deep breathing.
Chest Quivering: Unlike the entire body quivering, if your African Grey's chest only is quivering, they are feeling emotion. Some experts believe it means a sign of happiness and contentment.
African Grey bowing means they want to be petted.
African Grey Body Language
Bowing: An African Grey is asking to be petted or scratched when they bow with their head tipped downward toward you.
Chicken Scratching: African Grey Parrots will "chicken scratch" at the bottom of their cage or on the carpet. This is a normal behavior for them as in the wild, they do this to loosen dirt and mud.
Standing on One Foot: African Greys are very relaxed when you see them standing on one foot with their other foot tucked under its breast.
Hanging upside down: African Grey Parrots love to hang upside down. They will do this when happy and content, and of course, playing with their toys!
Wing flapping: Flapping their wings, or flying in place, is a great form of exercise for your African Grey. It can also be used to get your attention or just to display happiness. African Greys and other birds often lift their wings as a means to stretch or to cool themselves off.
Fluffing or Ruffling: Your African Grey will fluff its feathers when it is relaxed, as a way to relieve tension, if it is cold, and even during the preening process which helps it to remove dirt or feather dust. If your bird remains fluffed for a long period of time and is unusually quiet, fluffing can also be a sign of illness and you should contact your avian veterinarian.
Flattened Feathers: When African Grey Parrots are afraid, they will flatten their feathers.
Body Quivering: An all over trembling body means your African Grey Parrot is afraid of something. This is usually accompanied by wide, staring eyes and deep breathing.
Chest Quivering: Unlike the entire body quivering, if your African Grey's chest only is quivering, they are feeling emotion. Some experts believe it means a sign of happiness and contentment.
African Grey bowing means they want to be petted.
African Grey Body Language
Bowing: An African Grey is asking to be petted or scratched when they bow with their head tipped downward toward you.
Chicken Scratching: African Grey Parrots will "chicken scratch" at the bottom of their cage or on the carpet. This is a normal behavior for them as in the wild, they do this to loosen dirt and mud.
Standing on One Foot: African Greys are very relaxed when you see them standing on one foot with their other foot tucked under its breast.
Hanging upside down: African Grey Parrots love to hang upside down. They will do this when happy and content, and of course, playing with their toys!
Wing flapping: Flapping their wings, or flying in place, is a great form of exercise for your African Grey. It can also be used to get your attention or just to display happiness. African Greys and other birds often lift their wings as a means to stretch or to cool themselves off.
Moulting:
Greys moult their feathers annually to replace worn & damaged feathers. Healthy, strong feathers are critical to keeping a bird safely aloft, away from ground predators and dangers. Feathers are comprised of keratin (a fibrous, structural protein) which makes the feathers lightweight but strong.The same keratin is present in the beak and nails (claws).
In African Greys, their first moult begins as young as 11 months old. Normally, two feathers are shed at a time, usually within a day or two of each other, one feather from each side of their bodies (symmetrically.) In this way, the bird stays in balance which is so important to a flighted creature.Shed or moulted feathers will have their shafts intact, and may or may not have the downy material attached near the base followed by normal filament structure (the body of the feather.)
Moulting is a gradual process, healthy birds never shed more than a couple of feathers at a time.The whole process can occur over many months and a complete changeover of feathers will take about 2 or 3 years.
* It should been noted that it isn’t unusual for Greys to moult outside of the regular schedule throughout the year. These “mini-moults” will usually coincide with a noticeable change in environmental temperature.Moulting year round is also common among captive birds
In African Greys, their first moult begins as young as 11 months old. Normally, two feathers are shed at a time, usually within a day or two of each other, one feather from each side of their bodies (symmetrically.) In this way, the bird stays in balance which is so important to a flighted creature.Shed or moulted feathers will have their shafts intact, and may or may not have the downy material attached near the base followed by normal filament structure (the body of the feather.)
Moulting is a gradual process, healthy birds never shed more than a couple of feathers at a time.The whole process can occur over many months and a complete changeover of feathers will take about 2 or 3 years.
* It should been noted that it isn’t unusual for Greys to moult outside of the regular schedule throughout the year. These “mini-moults” will usually coincide with a noticeable change in environmental temperature.Moulting year round is also common among captive birds
Nutrition During Moulting:
During “the moult,” birds are under dietary-stress. They require additional protein to help those new feathers grow, they may even seem a little hungrier than usual.This is the time to increase the protein in their diets.Dietary protein for birds is best provided through vegetarian sources as the addition of meat exposes them to animal fats that are not healthy for their arteries.Cheese is also protein-rich, but exposes birds to lactose and milk fats that their digestive systems are unable to cope with effectively.Hard-cooked eggs are rich in proteins and are readily accepted by many birds and are quick and easy to prepare, but best not fed more often than once-a-week.
Vegetable sources of proteins include:
Soaked/Sprouted seeds (organically raised seed is always preferred) beware of seed from the petshop as it can be stale and unable to sprout? Online specialty stores are a better source for quality seed mixes.
Failure to moult is a condition brought about by poor nutrition. Birds on a poor diet will become thyroid hormone-deficient.This in turn fails to trigger normal moulting and feather regrowth.It is imperative that captive birds be provided with a good and varied diet, rich in proteins, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.Good quality, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and a formulated pellet are all basic staples to a healthy, beautifully feathered bird’s diet.
Vegetable sources of proteins include:
- Cooked corn & brown rice, which when served in combination, provide a complete protein.
- Cooked legumes (peas, lentils, beans)
- Quality pellet diet (Harrison’s, Zupreem Natural, etc.)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachio, cashew, hazlenut) unroasted if possible – avoid peanuts and pine nuts (too much fat)
Soaked/Sprouted seeds (organically raised seed is always preferred) beware of seed from the petshop as it can be stale and unable to sprout? Online specialty stores are a better source for quality seed mixes.
Failure to moult is a condition brought about by poor nutrition. Birds on a poor diet will become thyroid hormone-deficient.This in turn fails to trigger normal moulting and feather regrowth.It is imperative that captive birds be provided with a good and varied diet, rich in proteins, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.Good quality, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and a formulated pellet are all basic staples to a healthy, beautifully feathered bird’s diet.
Stress Bars and Other Feather Abnormalities:
Stress bars (sometimes referred to as “fret” marks) in feathers are indicative of starvation (self-imposed through extreme stress, or due to neglect).During the feather growing process, if a bird does not eat for a day or two, there will be gaps in the growing feathers known as stress bars.These marks (see photo) are lacking in colour, so they appear dark against the bird’s normal colouring.There is no treatment for the damage once it’s apparent, the only cure is prevention.
If your baby bird arrives with stress bars on his feathers, then the breeder’s husbandry practices must be blamed.f, however, these marks appear on new feathers that your bird has regrown since his arrival in your home, then you need to examine your bird’s environment to determine the cause.Sometimes, we are too close to the situation to see the obvious, so getting an unbiased opinion from someone well-versed in bird keeping is invaluable.Your avian veterinarian should also be consulted.Seeking help is nothing to be embarrassed about when you are doing it for the sake of your bird’s health.
Poor quality of feathers can be attributed to a seed diet. Seed is deficient in sulphur-containing amino acids, essential building blocks in the growth of strong, healthy feathers.Poor colouring is usually caused by a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet.Again, a quality diet cannot be over stressed.Birds need the best quality foods that we can provide them.In the wild, they forage in large groups/families seeking out the best of everything available.Since our captive birds cannot freely forage in our homes for food, we must make the effort to provide them with the best available to us.
Bands of differing colour is indicative of dietary changes or ill health during the feather’s growth.Unfortunately, this is all too common in young birds from less-than-ideal breeders.Poor animal husbandry, causing dietary dificiencies, and illnesses will impact on the feathers of the birds. If your bird arrives with these “bands” on his feathers, he should be seen by an avian vet as soon as possible. The hidden illness will need to be rooted out and treated as soon as possible.If there is no sign of infection or ailment, then a good diet will prevent your bird’s next generation of feathers from displaying this banding.
Parasites can cause damage to feathers, but this is always difficult to diagnose. Fret marks that appear in isolation (occuring on only one feather, or random feathers – different from stress bars) are usually blamed on Quill Mites (Syringophilus spp). These pests eat part of the growing feather while it is still curled up in its sheath.This mite seems to affect chicks more than adults.Treatment should only be attempted by a qualified vet. Prevention through cleanliness of the cage, food, toys, and household is more easily attained by the average parrot.
If your baby bird arrives with stress bars on his feathers, then the breeder’s husbandry practices must be blamed.f, however, these marks appear on new feathers that your bird has regrown since his arrival in your home, then you need to examine your bird’s environment to determine the cause.Sometimes, we are too close to the situation to see the obvious, so getting an unbiased opinion from someone well-versed in bird keeping is invaluable.Your avian veterinarian should also be consulted.Seeking help is nothing to be embarrassed about when you are doing it for the sake of your bird’s health.
Poor quality of feathers can be attributed to a seed diet. Seed is deficient in sulphur-containing amino acids, essential building blocks in the growth of strong, healthy feathers.Poor colouring is usually caused by a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet.Again, a quality diet cannot be over stressed.Birds need the best quality foods that we can provide them.In the wild, they forage in large groups/families seeking out the best of everything available.Since our captive birds cannot freely forage in our homes for food, we must make the effort to provide them with the best available to us.
Bands of differing colour is indicative of dietary changes or ill health during the feather’s growth.Unfortunately, this is all too common in young birds from less-than-ideal breeders.Poor animal husbandry, causing dietary dificiencies, and illnesses will impact on the feathers of the birds. If your bird arrives with these “bands” on his feathers, he should be seen by an avian vet as soon as possible. The hidden illness will need to be rooted out and treated as soon as possible.If there is no sign of infection or ailment, then a good diet will prevent your bird’s next generation of feathers from displaying this banding.
Parasites can cause damage to feathers, but this is always difficult to diagnose. Fret marks that appear in isolation (occuring on only one feather, or random feathers – different from stress bars) are usually blamed on Quill Mites (Syringophilus spp). These pests eat part of the growing feather while it is still curled up in its sheath.This mite seems to affect chicks more than adults.Treatment should only be attempted by a qualified vet. Prevention through cleanliness of the cage, food, toys, and household is more easily attained by the average parrot.
What is a crop?
A bird’s crop is an expandable “muscular pouch near the gullet or throat.” It is used to store excess food for later digestion. Essentially an extension of the esophagus, the crop can expand a rather remarkable amount, to the point where it can cook like a puffy sack. But why do birds have a crop?. When a food source is available to be exploited and there is competition for the food it just makes sense to fill up not just the stomach, but the crop as well. Though some birds, like corvids, hide food, not every species has that skill, so the crop serves nicely as a takeaway bag for a later meal. A bird's crop is a compartment of muscle tissue that birds use to store and soften their food before it moves on to be processed by the gizzard. Once in the gizzard the food is broken down in the same way as us humans chew our food, This is when giving birds grit can aid their digestion as it will help break down the food in the gizzard. Wild parrots often search for small stones and rocks to aid their digestion.