Parakeet Molting Process

Molting is a normal part of a bird's life. Molting replaces the old feathers with newer stronger plumage. In parakeets, the process takes place about two times every year provided the parakeet is not kept in artificial conditions with no darkness at night. The loss of feathers during the molt usually occurs in a symmetrical and orderly manner. If one right wing feather is lost, the same feather on the left wing also falls out at the same time.

  1. First Signs

    • The first signs that your parakeet is molting are a large number of loose feathers in the cage. The first molt usually takes place at around six months in age, when the parakeet will lose its baby feathers and grow its new adult plumage. This will mean subtle changes in the coloring and markings will be noticed once the new feathers have all grown out.

    Blood Feathers and Pin Feathers

    • The spiky new feathers that start to grow, usually most noticeable on the head of the parakeet, are called blood feathers because they are full of blood. If they are damaged at the very new stage, they bleed. As these feathers grow, a white sheath forms over the new feathers. These are pin feathers, and they need to be rubbed to aid in the feather's emergence from the sheath. You also notice that your parakeet is scratching and preening herself. She may enjoy rubbing the back of her head and neck on your fingers.

    Keep your Parakeet Calm

    • During the molting process, parakeets do not exhibit their normal energy levels and can even become moody. This is due to the fact that the molting process is controlled by the birds' hormones. It is best to keep them calm and do not expect them to play and interact with you. Do not put your bird in a cold or drafty place and do not expect her to breed at this time.

    Feeding During the Molt

    • Parakeets use up a lot of energy scratching and preening during the molting process and it is a good idea to supplement their food with vitamins and minerals at this time. Do not change their regular feed, just offer them a mineral block or put some vitamin drops in their water.

    Feather Plucking

    • Parakeets may develop a bad habit of pulling out feathers, which can be detrimental to health. This behaviour is not linked to molting and there will be constant feather loss and even baldness. The habit is often caused by boredom or loneliness The only action you can take is to put on an Elizabethan collar for a while to allow the feathers to grow out and to provide your bird with a companion or for you to spend more time with her.