Ask Lafeber

Keratin Flakes on Back

Hi there,

Is it normal/healthy for a parrot to have tiny keratin flakes on his back. The parrot is moulting.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

Hi Jay,

Their feathers are covered with a waxy sheath as they grow in, and the bird preens this to remove it. You are likely seeing the flakes from the sheath, or possibly unpreened feathers that still have the sheath on them. These are called pin feathers.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda