Mali and Zaire joined me in the kitchen this morning for their showers. African Gray Parrots are what's known as a "Powder Down" species (Cockatoos and cockatiels are also included in this grouping). The powder down birds have these tiny feathers that they break off when they are preening. When the feather breaks it releases a powder that is used to condition and waterproof the feathers. The bird room is often covered in a layer of white powdery dust from Mali and Zaire. To say that I have to keep up on my dusting is an understatement. The more I bathe my greys the easier it is to keep the dust down. Mali always enjoys a good bathing, but Zaire is usually a squawking nut about it. However, he seemed to enjoy it this morning.
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