When birds molt, they shed their old feathers (which become ragged and less useful over time) to allow new ones to grow. Molting can occur as often as once or twice a year and can last for weeks or even months until the new feathers have fully emerged.
This experience is stressful for a parrot because the emerging feathers may cause discomfort or pain. However, you can help your bird through his molting process by performing the following tasks:
- Mist your bird: Frequently misting your parrot with warm water helps soften the new feathers and lessen the discomfort they cause. Only mist your bird during the day and in temperate weather so that he has time to dry before evening.
- Observe him carefully: Keep an eye on your parrot’s feathers during molting; look for bald patches on the body or places where the feathers have become so thin that you can see his skin. If he exhibits either of these conditions, take him to the vet.
- Tend to broken or injured feathers: New feathers that get damaged or broken tend to bleed—especially on the wing feathers of a clipped bird. If this happens, pull the feather straight out from the root with one quick motion, which should stop the bleeding immediately.
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