What is barbering?

[Greycloud]

I have raised birds for over 30 yrs and bred birds for 15 yrs. In all that time I have never had a plucker or chewer. So, I hate to sound dumb, being that I'm experienced, but what is barbering? How is it different then plucking? What does it look like?

 

[Emmilyy]

Toc barbers

Its when they don't pull the feather out, but chew it off. You can see how it looks in my siggie. See how fluffy he is? I'll post more pics, hold on..

 

[ortegah]

Dakota barbered her feathers:

 

[Sarin]

Koba also Barbers.

 

[Greycloud]

Ok, now I understand. Great pics everyone and informative. Thanks so much. Judy

 

[JLcribber]

Barbering is when they chew the feather part of the feather off and leave the shaft.

 

[Sharpie]

Great pictures everyone. That makes it really clear.

 

[jim]

Zoey barbers the feathers on her back.

 

[ParrotletPal]

Just curious ... what would make a bird barber?

 

[Emmilyy]

Now i am confused.. Toc doesn't barber? i was told thats what he does.. he doesn't leave the shaft, just chews em right off.

 

[JLcribber]

Just curious ... what would make a bird barber?

Stress, anxiety, too small of an environment, not enough enrichment, loneliness, over clipping. Just to name a few.

 

[ncGreyBirdLady]

This is an excellent link about the problems Fids have with their feathers.
All About Your Parrot's Feathers - The Causes Of Molt, Feather Problems And What You Can Do About Them

 

[Sharpie]

Now i am confused.. Toc doesn't barber? i was told thats what he does.. he doesn't leave the shaft, just chews em right off.

That's one kind of barbering. The main difference is that pluckers pull the shaft out of the skin, barberers don't. They'll chew and break off the feathers, even parts of the shaft, but the base of the shaft is still there in the skin.

 

[Jally]

ohhhhh! Thanks for asking this question because I too was curious! And thanks for answering with pics

 

[Welshanne]

Great question and thread. thanks for the information Bonnie, I am learning so much from this site, wonderful.

 

[clawnz]

This is an excellent link about the problems Fids have with their feathers.
All About Your Parrot's Feathers - The Causes Of Molt, Feather Problems And What You Can Do About Them

Thank you for posting this link. Book marked this one.

 

[cnmngrl]

Wow, apparently I have a bird that does this. My Golden Conure has done this to only one side of her feathers on her wings. Unfortunately, they are known for being pluckers so I actually considered myself lucky that she wasn't plucking. I had a problem with over clipping, perhaps that is why. I'm going to check out that link and investigate this a bit more. Learn something new every day!

 

[cnmngrl]

Ok, I have a follow up question after reading that article. I do not use artificial light or a humidifier. I bathe my birds regularly but I think humidifier, now that the furnace is on, would be helpful. How many of you use artificial light?

 

[BraveheartDogs]

I am grateful for this thread too. i didn't know the difference between barbering and plucking. I have never seen my birds do either plucking or barbering, but I have seen Autumn pull her tail feathers around and groom them. Today I took her in the shower with me and noticed that one of her tail feathers is barbered I just noticed it today and so now I am a little worried. She forages, plays, climbs around, gets training sessions.....I guess I'll just keep an eye on it.

 

[Greycloud]

I'm glad I opened this thread. I have learned so much. We have increased misting, humidifier is turned up. Dexter has plenty to pay with but is just nt a playful bird as far as toys go. However he enjoys foraging and foot toys so I have increased them. Keeping and eye on him and hoping it doesn't get any worse. Thanks for all the help and informative sites. Judy