Possible Clues:

• Massage
• Blood red, getting cut, on the canvas -- massage needed!
• Dry off and smooth with sandpaper
• A brisk massage for muscle toning
• Wax almost inoperative, so prepare for paint perhaps
• Difficulty getting feathers dry
• A brisk massage
• Prepare eight ac with sandpaper, say
• Drying - cleaning - grooming
• Post-exercise treat