Feather growth after molt, porcupine tail

[Cleopatra Opal]

I preen my cockatoo's head feathers, all the time. She can't reach those. Her casings are not difficult, though. I generally scrape the length of the casing on one side of the pin feather, which releases the tention enough to then de-glove the feather. Perhaps bringing a sharp file or even a knife in with you to scrape one side of the pin feather might help the process along.

The file is a great idea! Some of them are very tough, and I don’t want to injure her trying to break them up. Thank you!

 

[Fluffy_Butt_Hutt]

If she stays this way and it becomes concerning that the casings won't come off, try fully soaking the quills for thirty minutes to soften it. If you do this, Epsom salts are optional, but keep the water around skin temp and not cold. Then, they should open a bit better. Also dry her well before putting her outside.

 

[Cleopatra Opal]

If she stays this way and it becomes concerning that the casings won't come off, try fully soaking the quills for thirty minutes to soften it. If you do this, Epsom salts are optional, but keep the water around skin temp and not cold. Then, they should open a bit better. Also dry her well before putting her outside.

That’s a fantastic idea! Towards the base of the feather,I can’t get them to break up,so that might be my next option to try. Thank you!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

An extra set of hands would help. My Silkie/BJG cross (yes, it was a weird accident) is starting to have the same issue. Boo is fine with being handled, until I start messing with those spiky tail and wing feathers - then she panics. I have someone hold her in their lap with her wings to her body. She usually hides her head into an elbow, which actually helps. Then I'm free to use both hands to crack the sheaths.
Boo's a big girl and some of the casings are really hard. I use a pair of flat-nosed pliers to gently crush those. I start near the base and work outward, the way she would when she grooms herself. I don't take the casings off, mainly because I know that's the part that hurts. It's not a problem, though. Once released, Boo gives a BIG shake, loosening the cracked casings enough that most fall off. Those that remain are usually damaged enough that she can preen them off on her own.
That's happened with her last two molts, but I'm not super concerned about a hidden issue. Other than that, Boo is a healthy, happy 7-year-old. It's just that, sometimes, we old ladies need a little help!

I love this and also wonder if a soak with warm water could help soften the keritin?

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I love this and also wonder if a soak with warm water could help soften the keritin?

NM, already addressed