Molting?

[cdnbirdlover]

I've noticed quite a few feathers around the house (and in the cage) lately. Basil has lost a couple of flight feathers (clipped ones...they seem to be all gone now), a couple tail feathers and some other ones, in addition to the usual little fluffy ones that come out. Is this molting? He hasn't really molted since we've had him (which will be one year this May and he will be two then). Is it seasonal? He is otherwise himself...wanting to be out on me, flying more (to get to me), eating normally. Please share your molting lovebird experiences.

Thanks!

 

[MonicaMc]

Sounds like molting.

I have a small flock, so when everyone molts, it looks like a feather pillow has exploded all over the place!

It usually occurs once, if not twice a year. Birds typically lose feathers all year round, but they will only shed a lot of feathers during a molt. There are light molts, regular molts and heavy molts. Molts are often influenced by diet, seasons, temperature, lights, etc.

 

[weco]

Most psittacine birds moult before their mating season so that they are in their finery for the big event. If previously clipped feathers are gone & full length feathers are in place, yes moulting is/has taking/taken place. Yes, feathers strewn around usually does indicate it's again the bird's season for new finery.....

 

[cdnbirdlover]

Sounds like molting.

I have a small flock, so when everyone molts, it looks like a feather pillow has exploded all over the place!

It usually occurs once, if not twice a year. Birds typically lose feathers all year round, but they will only shed a lot of feathers during a molt. There are light molts, regular molts and heavy molts. Molts are often influenced by diet, seasons, temperature, lights, etc.

Would the lengthening days have triggered this? I'm in central Canada so we are still in the dead of winter but the days are getting longer (hurray). I recently moved him to Harrison's adult maintenance pellets after about eight months on high potency but I can't imagine that started it.

He is picking at my hands as I'm typing here. Silly birdie.

Thank you for your replies!

 

[weco]

While I'm sure Harrison's would like to be able to claim that ability for their product(s), in the wild, lengthening days, plentiful food & available nesting spaces all serve to begin moulting, in advance of breeding season. As companion parrots, they have access to food, suitable climate and housing year round, so things sometimes get a bit skewed.....some species will go into breeding season as many as three times in captivity, while once in the wild pretty much does it.....