Blood feathers, or pinfeathers, are these new feathers that the bird grows as it goes through a molt. At first, pinfeathers will appear very short as they come out of the bird’s skin. They will appear to have a keratin cover. Keratin is the same substance in feather shafts. This cover or sheath is made up of protein, just like toenails, hooves, or horns of almost any other animal. It serves as a protective cover for the still-growing feather. This sheath will get chipped off when the bird preens itself. These new just-grown feathers are so named because they appear much like pins that poke through the animal’s skin. Blood is supplied to these feathers near the surrounding skin at the base. Birds undergoing a mold will require additional attention and care, most especially when being handled because of how delicate these new pinfeathers can be.
Should you happen to have concerns and/or questions regarding your pet’s molt, contact your animal hospital Dallas, GA.
