Which type of feather can be sensitive to touch?

Pinfeathers are immature feathers that are still developing and are often found on young birds. These feathers are sensitive to touch due to their structure and developmental stage. The sensitivity comes from the presence of nerves and blood vessels within the follicles that house the pinfeathers. When pinfeathers are manipulated, they can cause a sensation that the bird may find uncomfortable, leading to a potential stress response. This can be important for veterinary professionals to consider when handling birds, as sensitivity to touch can affect the bird's comfort level during examination and treatment.

Contour feathers, while important for the bird's overall shape and insulation, do not possess the same level of sensitivity. Filoplumes are sensory feathers that provide feedback about the position of contour feathers but are not primarily sensitive to touch in the way pinfeathers are. Remiges, or flight feathers, are designed for aerodynamics and do not exhibit touch sensitivity either. Understanding the characteristics of these different feather types helps in providing appropriate care and handling in a veterinary setting, especially when working to minimize stress for the avian patient.