How Long Does Molting Period Last?

[BoomBoom]

Hello, everyone! Our 5 month old Sun Conure, Boomer is going through his first major molt since he was a baby! I think he is 2 or 3 weeks into it. I tried googling it but there are so many different answers. Please help me with some questions...


1. What is the duration of the molting period?

2. What about the interval?

3. Does it happen twice a year and does it happen less often as they older?

4. I'm sure he will need our help with the pin feathers on his head. How do I know when the pin feather is ready to be cracked? I read that if its long and dry, its ready. Does this sound right?


I feel bad for Boomer because I read it is quite painful. I offer him a bowl of water for bathing which he uses when he is in the rare mood, otherwise I'd give him a quick 2 minute light shower. I also have this bird bath spray with 'molt ease' I haven't used yet. I read somewhere in this board that it is not necessary, but does it help a little?

I would appreciate some advice it helping him through his molt. He has been a trooper so far. Still as sweet and loving, although the past few days a lot more vocal! Before I go, here is a new video I made of Boomer. Enjoy!

[ame="http://youtu.be/CTaA9gAp81o?hd=1"]Our Little Dinosaur - YouTube[/ame]

 

[headfeathermistress]

In my experience:

1. A week or so
2. Every six months
3. Have not noticed if it has been less since the kids are older
4. Offer lots of baths. The pin is ready when it is all white and crunchy. You can just pet/or scratch it off. Your bird will let you know what and how it wants help. Just be gentle

 

[DebsFlock]

In birds on a natural cycle, once or twice a year lasting a few weeks. Birds inside with AC and artificial light... can even be continuos. I found full spectrum lights on a timer helped keep it more regular but can't set that up in the new house until I make some mods. Blanco has been molting for about a month heavily and Scooter and Scooty significantly as well.

I'd guess apparent day length is a significant trigger. It is in horses.

 

[Pookamama]

No advice but just wanted to say that is a darling video. Boomer is just so sweet and beautiful, you must be so proud of him!

 

[AFP520]

He looks so beautiful. Love all the colors.

 

[BoomBoom]

That's interesting to know how lighting and AC affects molting schedule. Boomer is not on any AC but he gets a timed full spectrum lighting 8 hours a day. He gets a little natural light 1-2 days a week but not enough to make an impact. I just want to be able to help him through his molt, so knowing what to expect helps a lot.

Thanks for the kind words, Pooka and AFP! I enjoy making these videos of him. He is our pride and joy!

 

[AFP520]

The store I bought the full spectrum light said we should not let the light burn for more than 4-5 hours a day, and that 8 hours a day over a course of time can cause blindness.

I do not know any truth to it, but I like to be safer than sorry. Just FYI!

 

[DebsFlock]

The store I bought the full spectrum light said we should not let the light burn for more than 4-5 hours a day, and that 8 hours a day over a course of time can cause blindness.

I do not know any truth to it, but I like to be safer than sorry. Just FYI!

What kind of light did you buy? From what kind of store? I know the ones designed for reptiles can cause problems for parrots -- they do use coatings to create the UV light and not all coatings are safe for birds. That said, I cannot imagine a reason why an avian-compatible full spectrum bulb placed at a suitable distance from the cage would cause blindness. And only after 5 hours? That makes no sense to me at all! Either it's causing damage or it isn't. I'd need some kind of logical explanation to buy that one!

When we had timers set up it was basically for the duration of a winter day at modest latitudes -- around 8 hours. The longer the bulb is on each day, the sooner it will wear out... but I'll eat my hat -- my sweaty riding helmet -- if leaving it on for more than 5 hours causes blindness where leaving it on for less than 5 hours does not!

 

[AFP520]

Hi Debs,

I just asked because we needed a lamp for Lucy. It was a featherbrite 15W.

The sun is not bad for humans, if you are in it for a certain period of time. Imagine sitting under it for 4-5 hours compared to 8. I would go from tomato red to dark cherry red definitely! Not saying this can be compared to the birds and I'm no expert, I just err on the side of caution, especially since it's my first pet bird.

 

[BoomBoom]

AFP, Deb good points you raised!

We read about the blindness issue too, but I think it's for improperly set lighting. It should be directly above them and about 1 foot of distance (ours in 3 feet). I think the problem is when they stare at it too long? But the light itself is not harsh, it's a soft light.

As for the duration, we settled with 8 because articles online said 10-12 is advised. Supposedly any less than that will not be effective. So that's somewhat confusing to say the least. It's interesting to see how other people have it.

Ours is feather brite too.

 

[DebsFlock]

Well that's a good point about sunlight, but these UV-producing bulbs produce a tiny, tiny fraction of what the sun produces. And the issue there is that the body can adapt and repair the damage when it is skin exposure -- if you stare at the sun and damage your eyes you are SOL and it takes no time at all.

I could imagine if the bulb were right next to the cage bar and they stared into it point blank it could potentially do some damage, but I would think it would do the damage during short periods of high exposure. I still don't see the 4 hours vs. 8 hours thing. I'm a scientist and it just makes my physical intuition go "sproing".