[Jenny]

So... I took Loki and Kai to the vet this morning (looong back story on that one...). Good news is every one is just fine, they just need some bene-bac because they're low on good bacteria.

ANYWAYS

What I came on to say is that I learned something totally new today!! I made a passing comment to the vet that neither linnie liked hands. When she held him to examine Loki, she asked me, "Are you SURE you don't handle them?" I said yes, why? Apparently, when you pet your birds, there is a completely harmless type of fungus that will start to grow on their feathers!

The oils in human skin gives it a base to grow on, and it darkens and slightly discolors the feathers you touch frequently!! I laughed and explained to her that he loves kisses and snuggling under my chin, which is what she said probably did it. You see it most, now that she mentioned it, on his back/shoulders and the back of his head!

I thought it was really gross, and asked what to do to get rid of it and she said nothing really

It's completely harmless, just a cosmetic thing. I just thought it was completely fascinating and wanted to share!

 

[nanay]

Interesting, but not sure how I feel about this information. Oh, well, I'm still going to handle my birds.

 

[Jenny]

Me too, Nanay. It was unsettling, but I trust her when she says it's completely harmless. She's a world renowned vet who sits on Kaytee's advisory council and has led breakthroughs in research so... I have to trust her, icky as it seems! I suppose it's no worse than us growing ear wax or something, right?

 

[The Brute Squad]

Ear wax! If my conures could get their beak in there they would clean it out! We handle the conures all over their cuddly little bodies, they are that way. The budgies once in a while and the tiels almost never. Athletes feather!!!:lol:

 

[skthurley]

lol! I told Peter this, he didnt believe me. So weird!

 

[Ella]

thats strange! i've never heard of that before!

 

[Sensfan]

Ear wax! If my conures could get their beak in there they would clean it out! We handle the conures all over their cuddly little bodies, they are that way. The budgies once in a while and the tiels almost never. Athletes feather!!!:lol:

:rofl:I'm still kissing and handling mine too. I don't see anything on them :shrug: