Molting in birds
Birds go through a molting period one or more times a year in which feathers are lost and then replaced. Molting usually occurs seasonally, depending on species. Signs of an impending molt include an increase in preening activity, not to mention the increased number of feathers that will be seen lying at the bottom of the cage. Molting birds may become noticeably lethargic, as the process uses up lots of calories! Some birds will lose most of their feathers all at once; others will lose them more gradually. The entire process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
The new feathers that grow in after a molt are encased within feather sheaths, which are eventually shed once eruption is complete. These new feathers also have a rich blood supply that will disappear when the feather reaches its mature length. If a growing feather is accidentally injured and begins to bleed, the entire feather should be plucked from its shaft. This will stop the bleeding, and allow for a new feather to replace the damaged one. On the other hand, mature feathers that are plucked will not be replaced until the next molt.
As indicated above, the molting period for birds is very stressful. Otherwise talkative birds might choose to remain silent during this time, and songbirds might stop singing. It is important that you take appropriate husbandry actions to ensure that other sources of potential stress are avoided. Be sure to provide extra privacy and warmth during this time. Also, increasing the protein, fat, and calcium in diets offered to birds in molt will help ensure that the molt is a successful one and that the new feathers are bright, shiny, and healthy.
Abnormal molting can result in new feathers that are ragged or incomplete, or ones that contain abnormal markings or streaks caused by improper feather development (stress bars). If you suspect that your bird has had an abnormal molt, contact your veterinarian right away.
The new feathers that grow in after a molt are encased within feather sheaths, which are eventually shed once eruption is complete. These new feathers also have a rich blood supply that will disappear when the feather reaches its mature length. If a growing feather is accidentally injured and begins to bleed, the entire feather should be plucked from its shaft. This will stop the bleeding, and allow for a new feather to replace the damaged one. On the other hand, mature feathers that are plucked will not be replaced until the next molt.
As indicated above, the molting period for birds is very stressful. Otherwise talkative birds might choose to remain silent during this time, and songbirds might stop singing. It is important that you take appropriate husbandry actions to ensure that other sources of potential stress are avoided. Be sure to provide extra privacy and warmth during this time. Also, increasing the protein, fat, and calcium in diets offered to birds in molt will help ensure that the molt is a successful one and that the new feathers are bright, shiny, and healthy.
Abnormal molting can result in new feathers that are ragged or incomplete, or ones that contain abnormal markings or streaks caused by improper feather development (stress bars). If you suspect that your bird has had an abnormal molt, contact your veterinarian right away.
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