Beginner question

[callieriggs]

Total beginner question here. We have a Polish tophat and she can't see well (obviously). We like to let the girls out of their coop and run because it is pretty small. Can we trim back her feathers to give her some better vision? Wasn't sure if this would be cruel or if it would even help.

 

[sourland]

Yes, many people trim head feathers so that the birds have better vision. Just be careful that they are not pin feathers.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It will help. She'll still be vulnerable to predators unless you shave her head which I wouldn't do.

 

[beetandsteet]

No it wouldn't be cruel at all. It would give her a new perspective on life!
Feathers do not have any feeling in them, just the roots (like your hair). Be careful not to trim pin feathers; those contain blood.

 

[callieriggs]

Thinking we may try a trim this weekend. Are pin feathers the ones that aren't all the way out of their sheath? Also, cat I trim the top of a pin feather if I am right about what one is or should I steer clear of all of them? Thanks for all the help. Love our girls and want poor Felicity to be able to see!