Swollen feather shaft

[r2rusmc]

It looks like there is a bit of a crimp in the shaft. If it is, that combined with some preening a slightly damaged feather could be the cause.

Of course if your funds are free, you can never go wrong with a vet check.

Personally I'd just keep an eye on it.

[MaryG1959]

How long have you had the bird and has it been to the vet since you've owned him/her? If not the vets is always the first place to go. In addition a good vet is worth their weight in gold. Mine speaks to me on the phone to answer questions and has come in from home for emergencies. So, the relationship is one to develop early on.

I cannot really tell what is going on from the photo ---it could be anything but very well may be nothing.

[Chicklette]

I agree with Mary. The first place I go when I first get an animal is to the vets right away. That way I will be able to help them right away if they are sick and treat them.

[Lori~D]

Ill bet it was a feather that got damaged -teils flying back wards and such as a baby (esp if clipped to young) and its grown out like that. If there is no blood in the shaft it wont "get" infected. Have a vet look at it but I still would not "pull it just to be safe" if it ends up being just a deformed feather. I personally would not even vet if the bird is fine and there is no sign of trouble with the base of the feather where it meets skin and all the other feathers look good - but thats just me.

[Flight]

Thanks so much for the help guys I have had Spike for over two years and he has seen a vet once before. He got looked over and his breathing listened to and got a gram stain done which came back fine. I have decided not to have it pulled as Iam almost 100% convinced it is just a damaged feather shaft and will molt out on its own. Spike is quite the clumsy tiel but is getting much better now that he is two. Here is a video I recently took of Spike so you can see what a good boy he is You can't see the feather in this video since it is hidden under his other tail feathers. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy the video :)
YouTube - Spike's hello trick

[Chicklette]

That is amazing for a teil. I love when he waved. That is so cute. Great name too. He's really adorable.

[Greycloud]

Wow, what a very smart boy! He sure is a happy, bright fellow. Speaks very well! Good job, Mom!

[hollyhawkz]

Great video!

[Flight]

Thanks guys

[jenseits]

That's sooooo adorable!!

Spike, come here!
No, you come here!

awwwww.