Aside from grooming, birds usually shed their feathers once a year to stay in good shape. Old, worn-out, damaged feathers fall off and are replaced by strong new ones. Molting enables the bird to be warm and dry during the winter and fly efficiently. This article gives an insight into how long birds molt, the signs to look out for, and what you are supposed to do as the owner during this time.
Smaller birds take around five weeks to fully molt, while larger birds take up to twelve weeks to shed their old feathers and grow new ones. However, some species can take two years or more to replace their feathers completely.
The molting process is gradual and can even go on throughout the year until all the old feathers have been replaced. This is because if all the feathers fall out simultaneously, they will leave the bird bald and exposed to coldness, which can lead to sickness or even death.
How Often Do Birds Molt?
Patterns of molting vary from species to species as well as the age of the bird. Some birds, such as songbirds, molt once a year; for some, it occurs twice yearly, while others can undergo a series of molts before developing adult plumage.
Molting is usually timed to meet specific needs, such as keeping the bird warm during the winter. Males get bright colors during the breeding season to attract mates, whereas some birds’ feathers become dark and duller for camouflage from predators during migration.
When Do Birds Molt?
The most anxious bird owners’ question is: “At what time of the year do birds molt?” Heavy molting occurs in the spring before breeding and in the fall as birds get ready for winter.
Although molting can continue throughout the year and go unnoticed because it’s gradual and symmetrical. If all the feathers come out simultaneously, they will leave the bird bald and exposed to coldness which can lead to sickness or even death.
Do Birds Molt in Summer?
Yes, birds molt in the summer. Like migration and breeding, it requires a lot of energy to shed and grow new feathers. Hence, molting usually starts late in the summer when other energy costs are low. By this time, breeding is over, there is enough food, and the weather is warm.
Earlier or later molting can lead to birds getting cold due to the absence of insulating feathers.
Do Birds Molt in Winter?
Yes, some birds molt in the winter. The molting process is likely to end before the onset of winter to ensure that the birds are cushioned against chills during this season. However, some bird species undergo partial molting of the head and chest while the other feathers remain intact.
How Do I Know If My Bird is Molting?
When molting, a bird will exhibit a change in behavior or physical appearance. The following are some of the bird molting symptoms to look out for:
1. The actual coloring of the bird can become darker and dull.
2. Aggressiveness due to irritation.
3. Bunch of feathers at the bottom of the cage.
4. Loss of appetite.
5. The bird appears moody, tired and exhausted.
Are Birds in Pain When Molting?
Yes, birds are usually in pain when molting. The birds’ skin gets itchy and irritated as feathers start to grow. This is due to the growth of pin feathers filled with blood, making them sensitive and uncomfortable to touch. This stressful condition can make a bird stop singing, become less active, or even stop laying eggs.
It’s painful to pluck a piece of hair from the human head. Thus, in the case of birds, the molting process hurts too.
What Should I Do if My Bird is Molting?
During the molting period, you can support the bird either physically or mentally by:
1. Moisturize the Bird
One can spray the bird’s feathers with water or bathe them regularly to reduce skin itching. Care should be taken not to soak them, as they will get cold.
2. Provide Enough Food For the Bird
Food rich in protein, calcium, and amino acids should be provided in adequate quantities. This will enable the bird to cope with an increased demand for nutrients and calories. Extra proteins are also essential for the growth of strong feathers to enhance proper flight and insulation.
3. Avoid Petting and Handling
Petting can irritate the skin because it’s sensitive during this time. It should be avoided until the bird completes its cycle.
4. Right Room Temperature
A molting bird should be housed in a warm room to avoid getting cold due to reduced insulation.
5. Giving Them Toys
With a toy to play with, the bird’s attention will be diverted from the molting irritation and pain.
What Are The Stages of Molting?
For the molting cycle to be complete, it has to go through the following three stages;
Stage One: Shedding of Feathers
During this stage, a bird sheds her feathers, which are replaced by skin feathers that erupt from the skin follicles. It’s the most sensitive and uncomfortable stage.
Stage Two: Unfurling of Feather Tissues
The shafts grow longer, and the waxy casing protecting the feathers loosens. Feathers start to emerge from the tip. During this stage, the bird looks fluffy.
Stage Three: Falling Off of Sheaths
The waxy casings fall off or can be removed by the bird, revealing new, full-grown feathers.
Do Birds Sleep a Lot When Molting?
Yes, the birds sleep a lot when molting. The birds are likely to sleep throughout the day when molting. As the process takes a toll on the birds’ bodies, they get tired quickly and will require more sleep to recover.
The birds should be put in dark, quiet rooms to get enough sleep and time to relax.
Do Birds Need More Food When Molting?
No, birds don’t need more food when molting due to reduced appetite and thus eat less food during this period. However, a constant and reliable source of protein-rich food and other supplements should be provided for good molting.
What Triggers Molting in Birds?
Molting is a timed sequence of events that can be caused by stimulants such as:
- Changes in season or daylight hours.
- High temperatures.
- The reproductive state of the bird.
- The availability of food.
- The general well-being of the bird.
Do Birds Get Sick When Molting?
No, molting won’t make a bird sick, but it can sometimes look ill due to the ragged appearance resulting from the loss of feathers and the irritation as they grow back.
However, some molting complications, like a mass loss of feathers, can lead to an illness.
Do Birds Molt When Stressed?
Yes, birds can molt when stressed. Extreme heat or too much chilling, deprivation of food and water for a long time, or a change in lighting can lead to stress, which can induce partial molting.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Molting and Plucking?
Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell whether the behavior displayed by your bird is molting or self-destruction. In molting, the feather loss is symmetrical, which is not the case with plucking, where there is a patchy feather loss.
If you find a feather at the bottom of the cage that is intact with an entire shaft, then the feather is molted. The chewed or splintered feathers have been plucked by the bird.
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