? concerning pinfeathers and chewing

[louiselaust]

Hi guys!

So, my p'lets never really had pins, because they lived together and "fixed" each other up, however since i seperated them (2-3 weeks ago) many pins have started showing aound the beak and head.

As I understand, they're not painful, just irritating and seeing as Nibbet and Malani dosn't really trust me yet, I can't remove them. Not without grabbing and thats just stupid - ruining all my progress... Can I just let them be and will they fall out themselves??? My p'let book only talks about removing them by hand and bonding with ones bird...

And secondly - Nibbet starting chewing on his wodden toys. He's chewing a mirror with wood framing to bits and lately, he has taken interest in his wood swing. I don't mind the chewing, if its a natural thing, but I have wondered if it is because I don't create enough stimulation? :confused:

[Jackorama]

I wouldn't worry about the pin feathers. The easy to reach ones they will preen them selfs and the hard to reach ones, like on the top of the head, they will use objects like their perches. My husband preens Bart's head pin feathers, but he doesn't get them all. I will see Bart rubbing his head on his perches and toys. We have never had any problems with this.

As for the chewing, it's very normal. So normal, that if a parrotlet didn't chew on something then I would be worried. If you go to a pet store and look at the toys, all of the ones for the hook-billed birds are made to be chewed, shredded and thrown about. The more you have the more they love it. There are some fantastic homemade toys on this forum to check out.

My husband and I are very bonded with our Bart and he gets a lot of attention. Bart is still a little hellion, but we love him all the same. You will see soon that this is just their nature, full of personality, attitude and mischievous.

Just enjoy it, because they will always surprise you and that is always fun.

BTW, Nibbet & Malani are adorable.

[Jinx n Noodle]

Yup, my little Noodle wouldn't let me touch his pins either, but he found toys to rub his head on to help them. I knew he was uncomfortable, but he found ways to get the itch itched;)

The only other thing is to take the mirror away. They think it's another bird and sometimes will become more attached to it and it makes the training/bonding process with you harder...

[louiselaust]

Thanks for the reply! I have seen a change in Nibbet (suddenly seems afraid of EVERYTHING), so I got so worried.
But maybe I'll take the mirror out, cause bonding is something of a struggle with him. What would I do without you clever people?:p

[Jackorama]

Hey, I worry all the time with Bart, he knows it and does things on purpose to get me going. LOL...

[louiselaust]

those p'lets are cheeky bastards!!!:D