my macaw bites off his flight feathers

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my macaw bites off his flight feathers

by Sheila P
(Anchorage Ak)

My 9 year old macaw bites and chews off his own flight feathers. Its great because I dont have to trim them but when she does this she doesnt pull the hard coating out She just picks everything out inside it including the feather. Is this dangerous or will cause any infection? Should I pull them out myself or not ever worry about it. I dont know how long she has been doing this as I just got her a few weeks ago. thanks

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my macaw bites off his flight feathers

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Jul 27, 2011

Bird chewing feathers but leaving shaft
by: Tracie

Please read our Feather Damaging Behavior article that was written by an avian vet for more information about this behavior.

There is not a risk for infection in the feathers that the bird cleans off the feather and leaves the shaft. The question is why the bird does this? An avian vet will be able to determine if there is something internally wrong or if this is a behavioral issue.

Find an Avian Vet

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