Should i help my bird w the lil white stuff around her new feathers?

Question

as her feathers grow in she has the lil white hard stuff that she pulls off but sometimes they are in spots she can't get, should i help? i've noticed they come off easily when i pet her

Answer 1

I assume you're talking about the feather  sheath. Sharing behaviors such as preening with your bird do wonders for the bonding between the two of you. In the wild, part of birds natural bonding behaviors include picking and preening one another.

  I have a Goffins Cockatoo and in the five years I've had her she's come to not only enjoy my picking off her old sheath's but to EXPECT it.

  I find that it comes off much easier if you gently rub the sheath between two fingers. That prevents unnecessary pulling.

Answer 2

You can, but be careful.  It will come off itself, but it you give her some gentle little scratchings, that will help it along.  If she is fully feathered (as in not a naked baby) misting her with warm water will help some and will also keep the itching down a bit...