The Mystery Feathers

[KarenB]

A plucked feather would more than likely have tissue remnants on it, whereas a naturally shed feather would not. Either one could also be chewed on.

[MiaCarter]

KarenB -- See, that's what I always thought too.
Similar to the way in which you get a small bit of tissue on a strand of hair that's pulled, whereas a naturally shed hair is clean.
I wasn't sure if there was another way to tell by the color or texture or whatnot.

These were all clean.
Though I did fish them out of the trash so it's possible what looks like damage from biting could just be from me handling them.

Darn mystery feathers! I don't like mysteries! LOL

[KarenB]

So I take it there have been no other loose feathers at the bottom of the cage since.

[MiaCarter]

KarenB -- Nope, no more feathers since.

I'd have been in awe if that had been the start of a moult. It would have been absolutely stunning with the sheer quantity! It was a good hefty handful.

I was working with him a few minutes ago (learning to step up!) and he stretched out his wing and I saw a sizable bare spot. Smack in the middle of the wing. And I know lots of the feathers were wing feathers (they had white and the only white is on his wings.)
So go figure.

I just hope whatever it is, he doesn't do it again!
I'm moving him out of that cage anyways, putting him into a much larger cage and giving his to the 'keets. I just need to find the energy!