How do you get a bird to preen itself?

[murphyzoo]

I have a jenday conure that is like 50% pin feathers and will not preen them! He doesn't like it if I try to do it either. I feel bad because they seem so sensitive and get in the way of the head rubs:) I do put him in the shower sometimes. Any other suggestions?

[KiwiJo]

Birds naturally preen themselves. His pins might still be growing in, which is why he won't touch them yet. Leave it be for a bit. In a couple of days, if he hasn't started preening, try preening him while he's in the shower. Kiwi lets me do whatever I want in the shower!

[Sandybottomsmn]

Its always been my understanding that if they are still sensitive they are not ready to come out yet.

[murphyzoo]

He's been this way for a few weeks, maybe longer. The pins are really long too. They stick as far as the other feathers. I just gave him a good shower. We'll see....

[murphyzoo]

Oh so purdy!!!!!!!!!!

[MissV]

...that's a jen? That looks SO much like a sun! I've never seen a Jenday that looks like that. ^^

Maybe it's just the wetness.


Baths usually help....have you tried instead of outright picking them just very very light scritching with your nails around them?

[dmiller91]

Does he preen after his bath? I have a couple that actually took a while to learn about that too! It seems as though it should be natural.

[sailorkelly]

Abbey did not let us assist with her pin feathers. It took her a few months to get them all out by herself. But she is now pin free.

[pippy]

You say the pins are as long as the other feathers but is there a decent length of feather sticking out of each pin? If not then it's not ready to come away as it's still protecting the feather

[murphyzoo]

Actually I bought this bird as a "Jenday", but after asking the panel here, I've decided that he is a hybrid or sunday. He looks a bit better after yesterdays shower, I'm going to give him another one right now and see if he preens. Is it ok to give a bird a shower everyday? Just wondering.......