Is this normal?

[Charlesgcc]

My conure has this weird feather and he’s acting like he’s sore. I can’t tell what it is? Should I take him to a vet?

 

[Mizzely]

From here it looks like the feather base is still inside the keratin sheath and that it still has bloodflow, which means it is still developing. They can be tender in this stage.

 

[Shezbug]

That is the preening gland I think you’ll find

 

[Mizzely]

That is the preening gland I think you’ll find

Oh yeah that might be it too

 

[Shezbug]

Oh yeah that might be it too

That is the only thing I can see in the pic that might cause some interest/concern as many people have no clue what it is when they first find it because it is not usually seen my many bird owners. I only mentioned it as nothing else in the pic stands out to me.

 

[Lucas2019]

My conure has this weird feather and he’s acting like he’s sore. I can’t tell what it is? Should I take him to a vet? View attachment 395296

Yes thats the preening gland be careful, my conure has it too. Just keep an eye on it but I believe that is totally normal since they always touched when they clean themselves

 

[April]

Definitely looks to be the preen gland it does seem a little red to my eyes. If he’s acting sore about it maybe it’s impacted? When it doubt best to go to the vet if only for peace of mind. I hope everything is ok with your little one.

 

[Craftydan]

So . . . What do you mean by "he’s acting like he’s sore"?

I'd expect him to be rubbing or gently chewing on it when he preens, which is just fine -- he'll collect oil on his beak from there to preen the rest of his feathers -- but if it's something more than that . . . then it sounds like you already know a visit to the vet is in order (just to be sure ).