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Post: Feather Lumps

Posted by Denise on 2/28/06

I have had a problem with what I think is "feather lumps"
with my canaries. Their nails and beak grow extremely
quickly and I will notice that their feathers are not
smooth, but a few stick out. The base of the feathers
that stick out is very thick and if I pull it out, there
is a lot of white, powdery matter---keratin, I think.
This substance makes big lumps under the canary's skin.
Sometimes I can remove them, and other times it bleeds a
lot and I'm afraid I'll hurt the bird. In all cases, the
birds have died much earlier than they should have. I have
noticed that it happens with birds from a particular
breeder, and their offspring.

I have a beautiful red factor female I wanted to breed,
but I can see she has some of her feathers sticking out
and they are thick at the base. She doesn't have lumps
yet. Is there anything at all I can do to prevent her
from getting them like the other birds? I would really
appreciate any help!

Posts on this thread, including this one

Feather Lumps, 2/28/06, by Denise.

Re: Feather Lumps, 2/28/06, by Michael L.

Re: Feather Lumps, 2/28/06, by Denise.