I have a cockatiel and have had her for a long time.She randomely gets these like white needles that grow out with her feathers around her head. I have not changed her food do not do anything different it just randomely happens. Does anyone know what this means?
This is normal in all pet birds, including cockatiels. Your cockatiel is molting, and her new feathers are coming in. These are called pin feathers. The pin feathers are more noticeable on the cockatiel's head and neck. As these new pin feathers are coming in, your cockatiel may become itchy and rub its head against its perch. If your cockatiel enjoys head rubs, gently rub your cockatiel's head to give it some relief. Another thing you can do to help relieve the irritation of the pin feathers coming in is to mist your cockatiel. This will encourage it to preen and loosen up the keratin coating on the new feathers. Make sure you give your cockatiel a well-balanced diet to keep it healthy at this stressful time.
Owned parakeets and finches for 15 years
Those are called "pin feathers," they're just the new feathers growing in protected by a keratin sheath. As the blood supply to the new feathers diminish the sheath will dry out and flake away, leaving a (hopefully) normal feather.
The are pin feathers from moulting. The white casing comes off and the feather is inside.