Cygnets Archives - British Waterfowl Association https://www.waterfowl.org.uk/tag/cygnets/ Conservation, Education and Preservation Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:37:55 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Pal-Mates … weekend web tip https://www.waterfowl.org.uk/pal-mates-weekend-web-tip-13/ Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:37:55 +0000 https://www.waterfowl.org.uk/?p=19416   Q is for Quill. The bare part of the central shaft of a feather, nearest to the body. As the true feathers start to grow in youngsters, the feather is surrounded by a sheath and has a regular blood supply.   When these ‘pins’ as they are known, continue to grow, they are very […]

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Q is for Quill.
The bare part of the central shaft of a feather, nearest to the body. As the true feathers start to grow in youngsters, the feather is surrounded by a sheath and has a regular blood supply.
 
When these ‘pins’ as they are known, continue to grow, they are very vulnerable. They will bleed a lot if damaged, so it is good practice to reduce catching up birds at this time (this teal was expertly handled at a teaching facility). You’ll hear people referring to them being in ‘blood feather’, it’s really good description.
Read more about rearing waterfowl.
 

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