1. What is a Moult?
Moulting is the replacement of old feathers with
new feathers. It is a normal process in birds.
2. What does moulting look like?
During a moult feathers that have fallen out are
often found in the bottom of the cage/aviary. The new feathers growing in their
place on th e body initially appear like waxy pins. Usually these are more
noticeable on the head.
During a feather’s growth there is a large blood
supply to the quill (also known as the shaft) of each new feather, these
feathers are commonly called blood feathers. These blood in the feather is
easiest to see in the large wing and tail feathers. This blood supply is
steadily reduced as the feather matures into a normal fully grown feather.
3. What is an abnormal Moult?
A moult should not cause major bald spots as a
normal moult replaces a few feathers at a time with new growth shortly after.
Feathers that are discoloured or remain as pin
feathers are abnormal and a disease process is likely to be the cause. Common
causes of abnormal moults include viral and bacterial infections as well as
liver diseases and nutritional deficiencies.
4. How often do birds moult?
Moults occur once to twice a year depending on
the bird species. The most common time for a moult is mid-summer, with often a
second, smaller moult in early-mid winter. Most normal moults take about 6
weeks to complete.
The flight feathers of both wings are moulted
and replaced in order with the outer feathers being replaced before the inner
flight feathers.
5. Problems associated with moults.
Moulting can be stressful for birds. A lot of
energy is expended in the production of new feathers. Hormonal changes, which
are a normal part of the moulting process, may also affect the immune system
such that moulting birds are more susceptible to infections.
Wing clips can be potential problems during
moults. Normally only a few wing feathers fall out at a time. In the wild this
is to allow the bird to continue to fly during a moult. In an unclipped wing,
new blood feathers are protected by the old feathers yet to be moulted. If
there are no old feathers or the feathers have been clipped too short the new
blood feathers are left exposed. This can lead to injury, should the bird flap
its wings on a branch or the side of the cage, and cause excessive bleeding and
pain to the bird. If this happens the bird may need to have pain relief or
antibiotics.
6. Do birds need supplements to help during
times of moulting?
Birds on a balanced diet of pellets, some seed
and fresh foods do not need vitamin supplements. Birds on all seed diets may
need vitamin and mineral supplements
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