Feather Cysts or Not??

Jessica_Lightening · New Member Joined: Jan 24, 2008 Posts: 2

My daughter has a 2 year old Cockatiel and on her lower back almost to her tail feahters is this lump very small but the bird is picking at it and my daughter said she has pulled out of it many little feathers but it keeps getting more. I read online that I could slice it open just a little and then disinfect it but the question is with what disinfecting agent???

Steptoe · Site Admin Joined: Oct 06, 2004 Posts: 4550

When u have a chicken cooked for the table, at the base of the tail is what is often refered to as the the 'Parsons nose' a triangual peice and very fatty.
This is a special oil gland that birds have, when they prune themselves oil is secreted onto small feathers sort of like a wick, the bird scrapes off the oil and spreads onto its feathers to keep water proof and maintain heathy feathers.
I am very hesitant to suggest such a remedy in this area..
1/If no awahere of the above, there maybe no problem
2/if there is a problem yo could very easy damage the gland or oriface

I would suggest have a vet look, or ask an experianced breeder to have a look.

Jessica_Lightening · New Member Joined: Jan 24, 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks for the info but I can see a fether trying to come out of it so would that still be the oil gland??

If the feather is coming out should we pull it out or just let it be??

I will try to get a picture of it but we might just have to take her to a vet I am just not sure about vets especially with birds being so fragile.

We have other birds and they have never had this problem. First time for everything!!