Preening

[PetiteJadie]

Jadie preens a lot. She isnt pulling out feathers but I'm concerned... I got her some new preening buddy toys but is there anything I can do for her?

[Wilder]

Something simple and cheap to try -- take strips of paper towels or tissues and hang or weave them through the cage bars. My parrotlet enjoys shredding and chewing on the paper.

[LovelySydney]

I definitely second that and recommend shredding toys - Oliver LOVES them. Also, parrotlets and birds in general do preen. I know it seems like they do it ALL DAY LONG but they need to look pretty too = ) I wouldnt worry unless she really starts to pull feathers out or is mutilating herself. She could be starting a molt too which would make her more apt to preening and working out those pin feathers.

[PetiteJadie]

I understand birds preen but I just want to make sure she is healthily preening not over preening. She has been molting but it's been a long molt from about May to now if I remember correctly when she started. I expected it to be over by now however she is still losing feathers. With cooler temps setting in I figured she should be done by now. Luckily I have the heater on but still.

[PetiteJadie]

my poor Jadie. I don't think she is plucking but her little head is covered in pins that i can't help her with because my nails are too short.

She seemed relieved when I put her in the shower for a good 10 minutes to help soften the pins and then gave her an extra long head rub before bed. But to continue helping her out, what do you guys think of this product?

I just want to help her feel comfortable! She'll spend quite a bit of time with her little feet scratching her head. We just can't loosen the root of those pins!

[kellywess]

Do you have a humidifier?