Macaw Chewing on feathers

[Fitzlove]

My Calico Macaw whenever he loses a feather, he always takes it and chews on it and still preens it like its his own still. I was wondering if any other macaws are doing this too and if its normal?


Thanks!

[tielfan]

Lots of birds like to chew their old feathers - my tiels are big on gnawing the quills. I've heard that the quills of the bigger feathers contain a nutritious 'marrow' that birds like to eat.

[Kristi]

Yep, Goliath gnaws on his when they fall out too.

[Irish]

I've seen Bob, Eddie and Gracie do it. They usually seem to think it's yet another "toy" to play with :-).

[Miro The Macaw]

Miro does this all the time- Plays with it, chews the end a bit, then looses interest and drops it... When smaller down feathers fall out and 'float' around, he will chase them, catch them, and play with them as well... Funny to watch. He gets MAD if you grab one before he gets the chance!!

[CALVINS MOM]

Mine all do it (the macaws). Calvin goes one step further and eats the "marrow" (or whatever is in the tip) from the feather. No quill pens from his tail feathers!