Bird Feathers and Wings
Parakeets and Budgies
Parakeets have an average of 2,000 to 3,000 feathers on their bodies. The feathers are of several types. First, there are soft down feathers close to their body, that are fluffy and help keep them warm. Next are the contour feathers. These are the colored feathers around the body, as well as the small scalloped ones on the head that are normally white on the very outside, black in the middle and a color in the inside. These are for decoration and warmth. There are also small "semi-plume" feathers around the face.
Perhaps most importantly, parakeets have flight feathers that help it fly. These are the long feathers on each wing.
Parakeets do a good job of keeping their feathers clean since the feathers are so important to their survival. They will preen, wash and fluff their feathers regularly. Be sure to give them clean bathwater daily so they can splash around and wash off any dirt or grit.
Birds molt during certain seasons, just like many cats, dogs and other creatures do. This helps them shed the 'warmth' feathers when it is hot out, for example. If you notice your bird has shed a lot of feathers in the late spring, or has dropped a number of feathers in the fall as the winter ones grow in, this is a normal part of the seasonal cycle.
If your parakeet is under a great deal of stress, you might notice strange white lines or even holes in the feathers on your bird. It would be important to talk with a vet to help find out what is stressing your bird, and maybe to give it special food to help it become healthy again. Also if you ever notice your bird holding its wing out or suddenly unable to fly where it could before, take it to a vet to look for the possibility of an injury.
Parakeet Wing Information, Care and Photos
Cat / Parakeet Info Homepage