What should be done with a bent feather to properly treat it?

To properly treat a bent feather, immersing it in hot water is the most effective method. This process allows the feather to regain its natural shape by softening the keratin, the protein that makes up the feather. When placed in hot water, the heat helps to relax the feather's structure without causing damage, enabling it to be gently reshaped or straightened. After heating, it's advisable to let the feather cool in its new position, which helps it maintain the corrected shape.

Other methods, such as cutting or pulling out the feather, could lead to damage or discomfort for the bird and should be avoided. Additionally, using substances like neat's foot oil is not standard practice for correcting feather bends; while it can lubricate and condition feathers, it doesn't address the structural issues caused by bending. Immersing in hot water is a safe and non-invasive way to effectively deal with bent feathers.