When Birds Molt!

The health of your bird is almost equal with the condition of his feathers.

From time to time, something in his “jacket” may change.

Your bird is molting, which means it is shedding part or all of its feathers, which are then replaced by a new growth.
Molting is a normal phenomenon, and the molting period can be long with some birds, and short and violent with others.

In general, a bird does not experience many problems with molting, but its owner will notice it for sure.

Making new feathers takes a lot of energy and that is why the birds will sleep more, and sometimes they are more aggressive and don’t sing as much.

Also, during this period its immune system is much lower then normal.

The first molt of birds usually comes at an age of about three to six months.

After the first time, it will take six to seven months for the next one to occur. Because birds in their natural habitat must be able, as a matter of survival, to fly away at any given time, the feathers will never fall out all at the same time.

Once a year, though, even the large feathers on the wings will fall out, one by one, so that these are replaced, too.  

In a period of one year, after the bird replaces all its feathers, it is best to change the food a little bit.

For example, to the normal seeds, add some extra apple or vegetables, but also some vitamin drops mixed with egg food. The egg food contains a lot of vitamin A which helps feathers grow.

Also, at this time your pet bird needs some extra calcium and minerals which are available in small blocks from your local pet store.

Remember, the temperature of your bird’s surroundings is also very important during the molting period.

When the weather is very hot, your pet bird will suffer more inconvenience.

Make sure that the cage is not too close to the heater or a window where there is direct sunlight.

Also, it is important that there is high humidity, which is very good for the condition of the skin and feathers. The humidity has to be a minimum of 50 percent. During the winter, when the heater is on and there is less fresh air in the house, it is better to put little bowls of water on the heater, or you can use an electric humidifier.   

If your pet bird doesn’t like to bathe, it is good to spray them with water. It is a good idea to bathe the bird twice a week during molting.

With big parrots, you can even take your shower together, as long as you don’t use shampoo and the water is not too warm.

In the beginning, it might seem strange for the bird to “shower,” but it will soon learn to enjoy it, and by cleaning himself after the bath he stimulates the growing of the new feathers.

New coat, ready for the new season!