My budgie has lots of feathers coated with wax. What causes the feathers to be like this. Also why is there another feather under the wax. Does the wax protect the feather?
2007-03-16 10:19:47 · 4 answers · asked by snowball 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
That is not wax. It is a protective sheath the budgie makes to protect the vanes (fibers) until the feather comes in.
2007-03-18 04:14:02 · answer #1 · answered by Rev. Two Bears 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there. Many birds molt a little bit all year long, partially or more completely. These new feathers that grow in are called pin feathers and have a protective sheath that will peel off exposing a new feather. Some people will roll a feather gently with their index and thumb as a gesture of preening to gently break the sheath. Some birds enjoy this and others find it uncomfortable. It is not an essential part of grooming we must engage in even if the bird doesn't have a companion bird to help preen it. The sheaths will take care of themselves. Sometimes it gives the bird a pin head appearance. Give the bird warm baths in a sink with 2-3 inches of water and show him how to enjoy the water by flicking your fingers and acting happy and excited. You are his flock leader and he will learn from you. This is very soothing.A good diet of pellets, 10% seed, fruits and veggies 10-20 % excluding avocado and chocolate also helps since molting and feather growth can be very uncomfortable for some. Have a tweet year.
2007-03-20 04:01:20 · answer #2 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not exacty 'wax' but it is a 'waxy feeling' coating on your birds feathers ... and it's there to keep your bird 'dry' if it rains. I know, you have a budgie, and it lives in a cage inside the house, and it doesn't 'rain' in the house ... but 'budgies' were originally 'wild birds' and they needed the protetction ... and all birds have this 'waxy feeling stuff' on their feathers. If your bird's 'waxy stuff' is getting a bit 'thick' then you should give him a 'bath' ... put a 'perch' in the sink and let your bird sit on it and run a 'light stream' of 'room temperature' water over it on one end. Your bird should 'love that' and think you're giving him/her a 'big treat' ... when your bird is 'done' with his 'shower' give him a few minutes to 'shake of the excess water' and then put him back into his cage. If that doesn't work, try giving him a 'flat bowl' with about 1/2" of water (warm) in it ... some birds prefer 'baths' to showers ... and give him a 'bath' or shower' at least once a week. Your bird will 'love you' for it, and you'll have a 'very happy CLEAN bird' for it, too.
2007-03-16 17:45:53 · answer #3 · answered by Kris L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has your budgie molted any feathers recently? These may be new ones growing in. When feathers are partway grown, they're covered in a "sheath" that does look sort of waxy. The sheath will fall off on its own when the feather is done growing.
See the article below on how feathers grow.
2007-03-16 17:33:57 · answer #4 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋