Chewing on feathers that have fallen off

[KimKim]

I was just wondering if anyone knew why they do this? He sometimes likes to play and chew on the feathers that fall off due to molting. Does he get something from it? Should I not let him because he thinks its fun and might start pulling them out for real?

[Lambert58]

Ours, when presented with a molted feather, will mangle it.

[Azzie]

Cleo, if presented with a molted feather, goes absolutely bonkers at it. She will scream at it, shake her foot and throw it. If she happens to see one of those little downy feathers floating past, she will lunge and scream at it. I don't think there's any harm in your bird playing with a feather. If it keeps him occupied, then why not = )

[Jayd]

No problem...Our fids play with each others fallen feathers.lol Jayd

[Janfromboone]

I've wondered too if there was a nutritional reason to chew up the molted feathers.

[KimKim]

Thanks everyone, I was just wanted to make sure this was ok and if other greys did this too and why...

[Jingles]

My Grey will ignore it. Totally act like it's not there... maybe he's the odd man out on this one!

 

(My cocktoo will lunge at those downy things floating by and start her dance...lol)

[Luvparrots]

Jingles, my fids could care less about those old dead feathers also!!!! I do get a variety of pretty feathers though with an zon and an ekkie!!!!

[JDS5607]

All of my birds (with the exception of Romeo) will go after feathers. If there is one on the floor, they are all racing to see who can pick it up first! They don't mangle them though. Joe will go up and down that molted feather until it looks perfect enough to put back in!!! :laughs:

[Jingles]

luvparrots - glad mine isn't the only one!!!

 

I bet you get some pretty looking ones! I always stop and admire when my TOO ones falls out!