Molting is the process of shedding old feathers and growing new ones to replace them. It’s normal for birds to molt, including parakeets.
As a bird owner, it’s always important to watch your parakeet. The most obvious sign that they are molting is that they look ragged and seem to be dropping a lot of feathers.
You should always monitor your birds during their molt because they might be experiencing a health issue, such as feather loss or disease.
Physical Signs
Parakeets typically molt and lose a few feathers at a time though they are not enough to hinder them from flying. Their new feathers start out as tiny pinfeathers that encase the previous ones, which are replaced quickly by a new coating of feathers.
A parakeet might be found to be struggling with a difficult situation in which they can’t seem to remove the hard shafts. The shafts are usually removed by gently rolling them between two fingers and carefully severing feather attachments inside the shafts.
Your bird might have a lot of new feathers that are still growing. This can cause him to look fluffy and soft, but it won’t leave him with large bald spots. It’s not always easy to tell when molt has stopped, although some small skin bald spots may be noticeable as the feathers begin to regrow again.
Behavioral Signs
Parakeets usually go through a molt during which they shed their feathers and regrow them into new ones. Their behavior may change depending on the time of the year or due to other factors, sometimes manifesting as flapping wings, short powerful flits, and sitting still while loose feathers fall off.
Some birds may appear to be quiet or less active than usual. They might also require more sleep than when they’re not molting.
Signs of a Problem
This is a common problem for birds as they normally molt every few days. It’s best to look for bald patches that last more than a few days. Moreover, if you find feathers falling in between the regular molting cycles, it’s best to consult your birdkeeper or veterinarian.
Keep an eye for some of these common symptoms as they could be signs of boredom, poor nutrition, feather lice, dry air, or French molt – a condition sometimes seen in young birds.
The feathers of birds are sensitive, so if you change diet suddenly you might also notice that their beak has also changed color. Some birds will recover quickly, while others may present with serious feather loss and never grow back properly. Your vet can determine the best course of treatment and recommend a dietary change to attempt to improve your bird’s welfare.
Making the Parakeet Comfortable
Your bird will lose a lot of feathers in his molting period, so keep him warm and safe with lots of love. His feathers provide insulation and then he loses them, which means he is more susceptible to temperature changes.
You can help with your feathered friend’s weight issues by being aware of what he gets to eat. Feed him more food, at least 25% more than normal, recommends the Hartz website.
Giving your parakeet proper grooming is important so that it can stay happy and healthy. Removing loose feathers, getting rid of pinfeather shafts, and spending time with your bird can help to prevent the molting blues.
Read Also: Parakeet Nesting Behavior
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