Need Clarification On Feathers & Care

[Donna]

I have read concerns about caring for a blood feather and the danger of pulling it wrong or not being able to stop the bleeding on your Budgie but I really don't understand it.

1. First of all, could someone please clarify where a blood feather is located? I have read something about the wing but I don't know if that is where the feather is actually located or if it's anywhere on a Budgie.

2. My Budgie's wings are already clipped and I'm aware that they will grow out in time but is a blood feather located in the wings? I would hate to clip the wings myself and then find that I might cut a feather that I shouldn't. I wouldn't try it without knowing more, first.

3. I have only had my Budgies about 2 months now and one of the really long feathers at the base of the bird is hanging down and separating from the others. Is that normal and will it fall out on it's own? I have read where people relate to tail feathers and I am assuming that is what feather this is. That's not a blood feather is it? My birds are moulting and so I don't know if this long feather is part of the moulting or not. Do I leave it there to fall out on it's own? I keep wanting to pull it out myself because it bugs me, ha!

4. What are pin feathers? I keep seeing all of these terms in people's posts but I don't have a clue what folks are referring to because I am a first time Budgie owner.

I guess I'm most concerned about the blood feather because if this feather that has been sticking out for the past few days is a blood feather, I need to be aware that I don't do anything wrong and I need to know if this feather is suppose to just fall out on it's own. Does it take a long time to fall out on it's own? It's looked loose for a week and a half or so.

I would appreciate any help I could get. :S

Thanks,
Donna

[Dinky]

Well, a blood feather is a new feather that is growing in and still has a blood supply to it. As far as I know, they are mainly on the wings. As for the feather that is hanging, let it hang, it will fall out when it's time. It is probably just being replaced by moulting. Pin feathers are the tiny feathers (new) that are still in the keratin sheath that comes off as the feather matures. They literally look like "pins" on the bird. I hope this helps.

[Joey]

1).A blood feather is ussually located on teh wing of the bird the Primary and Secondary feathers...Blood feathers are located on different areas of a bird's body, depending on what molting stage the bird is in. Baby birds growing their first set of feathers have all their blood feathers at one time and they will look like little pin cushions.wich are blue or or grey ussually.

2).Yes the blood fetaher is in the wings as I said above...If you are not experienced get someone to show you liek and avain vet..But it is very easy if you have sharp sisorors and the blood feathers are very noticeable.
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/9974/bloodfeather2ko5.th.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bloodfeather2ko5.jpg)

3).Leave it and let it fall out on its own..its brobably not a blood feather what does it look like?But it could be painful if you try to pull it out.Its like me pulling your hair...lol:D

4).Ok pin feathers are sometimes called blood feathers they are developing feathers on a bird. This feather can grow as a new feather in a young bird or grow to replace one from moulting.

The pin feather looks somewhat like a feather shaft. However, unlike a fully-developed feather the pin feather has a blood supply flowing through it. As such, if the pin feather is damaged, a bird can bleed heavily. Pin feathers are therefore sensitive and some pet birds do not enjoy being handled while moulting for this reason.

:D Hope this helps!:D

[Donna]

Thanks Joey for your help in clarifying the different types of feathers and how to care for them. You sound very knowledgeable and I really appreciate the help you've given me.

Also, I truly enjoyed the photos of all your little friends. It looks like you have quite the variety of pets which must make your household lots of fun!

Have a great day and thanks again! :budge:

Donna

[Budgiekin]

Nice work Joey! You've really provided a great answer. You've really stepped up to the plate and have been showing your care, concern and knowledge about budgies. This doesn't go un-noticed! :D :D

[clifff123]

Joey Im 63 and you taught me something. Great job son!! lol

[Tracie H]

Beaker and Niblet, what cute names! And what beautiful birds :)

[Joey]

Well I want to be a moderator :p So I thought maybe I should show more intrest than I have in this forum!:D Thank you!