Malting or plucking?

[0scar]

Hi guys,

Oscar has been losing a fair few feathers lately, last week it was the white fluffy ones and this week it's the small grey ones, they still have their ends on with no blood and they seem to be coming out quite easily when what looks like pruning is going on. Am I right in thinking its malting season as well? He's 8yrs old btw and previous owner says he's never plucked and I believe them.
Guess I just. Need piece of mind really from some experienced guys, or do you think I should get him checked out?
I've got about 8 on me now from the past half hour he's been cleaning on me.
Ps there's no bald patches or anything and his feathers look really healthy. I'll try get some pics up


Thanks. Oscar

 

[wenz2712]

I have a feeling he is molting! Codie is also losing the same type of feathers you are describing.

 

[MonicaMc]

Molting and preening may be the words you are looking for, instead of malting and pruning.

Sounds like molting to me as well! As long as you don't see any bald patches where feathers are missing (not just skin, but the fluffy white feathers, too), the feathers are the proper shape (i.e. not snipped into an inverted V), and they appear overall healthy, probably nothing to worry about!

Extra bathes may help new feathers growing in!

 

[0scar]

Thanks alot and oh yea i ment preening lol, Im not even gonna try blame that one on predictive txt.

heres a few shots of him and the amount he has lost tonite while preening himself



.View attachment 5197

 

[MonicaMc]

He's gorgeous!

If he hasn't been to an a-vet in a long while, not even from the previous owner, then it wouldn't hurt to take him in just to ensure everything is normal! But he looks astounding!