Is it painful to the chick to hold while feathering?

[clarkestep]

A friend of mine told me that it is painful for a bird to be held while it is feathering. She said the feathers are very stiff and when we hold the bird it pokes the feathers into their flesh like needles. Has anyone heard this? I don't want to hurt me babies!

JC

 

[silkiechicken]

Nah, it will be fine. Just be gentle and don't break the pin feathers.

 

[rooster-red]

Never heard of this.

 

[Sparrow]

I know that when my parrots are molting, it makes them extremely irritable when you try to touch them. I think it at least feels creepy to them.

I've had a few chicks squeal when I've had to grab them during the feathering process. I try not to do that, but I have had to before and they certainly don't seem to like it. In case it does hurt, just try to handle them gently during that time, and try not to bump the larger pin feathers.