Calling All Polish Owners For Trimming Advice!

[ChickenGirl555]

New feathers with a sort of casing on them. They have a blood supply to them.

Not trying to bug you...But could I see a picture of what one of these feathers look like? I really don't want to hurt them.

 

[BantyChooks]

Not trying to bug you...But could I see a picture of what one of these feathers look like? I really don't want to hurt them.

Did you see my images? There were pin feathers on that bird. Here's a better one anyway, not owned by me.

 

[BantyChooks]

I have had polish a long time and never trimmed them. Let the feathers grow. They manage

I trim because it gives them a better chance at avoiding hawks. I also have issues with them getting lost in the brush if they don't have it cut fairly short. For those keeping their birds penned up I suppose it wouldn't be near so much of an issue.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Did you see my images? There were pin feathers on that bird. Here's a better one anyway, not owned by me.

So it’s the short, black feathers on the head right?

 

[BantyChooks]

So it’s the short, black feathers on the head right?

Yep... the black parts are the tips of the new feathers.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I don't have any crested birds at the moment, but just imagine a crest on the bird.

Restraining the head. A finger is put under the beak and one behind the head. Third finger is VERY LOOSELY across the throat. We're not choking the bird here. Hold the bird against your body with your arm.
View attachment 1188397

Once the bird is calm, move your thumb up to pull the crest away from the eyes. Again, just pretend I'm doing that. Then move the scissors over and cut the feathers falling in front of the eyes. If you have a spaz you'll have to modify this a bit. I only have two hands so I couldn't get any images with scissors in position, sorry.
View attachment 1188399
Here's an image with terrible photo editing to sort of represent my train of thought.
View attachment 1188428
Edit: you can see some spiky-ish pin feathers on this bird. She's just finishing up her molt here.

Edit again: that's paint on my gloves, not blood.

Oh just saw this, sorry

 

[BantyChooks]

Found some images of my Sultans with trimmed crests.

This is my standard "square" cut.

Here's the Sultan I did a buzz cut on.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Found some images of my Sultans with trimmed crests.

This is my standard "square" cut.
View attachment 1188925

Here's the Sultan I did a buzz cut on.
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Thanks so much for the pics! They're really helpful!