Moulting Birds And How To Help Them

Moulting Parrots and why
Moulting is a parrot’s natural shedding process; it takes about 2 months for them to lose their
old feathers and grow new ones. Typically, parrots undergo this process once or twice a
year though in the Uk climate with central heating and other variables this can occur more frequently. During this time, parrots will develop pin-like growths, known as pin feathers, from the
follicles in their skin. This is often uncomfortable and itchy for your parrot, so it’s important
that you make your pet as comfortable as possible. Arcadia bird lighting helps with the
generating of new feathers and Mango Bird sprays will help hold the moisture in your birds
feathers.
Making them more comfortable
Mist your parrot 2 times per day to make it feel comfortable.
Misting your bird will provide extra humidity to the bird’s cage, which will make it less
itchy. Use a mister or spray bottle to mist your bird with room-temperature water.
• Misting regularly will also soften the hard sheath that forms around the
pin feathers, which will make them easier to remove once the new
feathers have grown in. Feather up bird supplement will also help speed up the process.
• Misting or spraying your bird replicates rainfall for the bird. You should
do this 2-3 times a week even when your bird isn’t moulting.
• You can also buy soothing bird bath sprays with aloe to help soothe the
bird
Your parrot may be grumpy or exhibit a twitching behaviour while it's moulting
because it’s itchy and uncomfortable. Do not disturb the bird while it’s sleeping or
resting. Place the bird in a dark area where it won't be disturbed for 12-13 hours per
day during the moulting process. Be patient with your bird and let it get all the rest it
needs. A bird cage cover will help if the bird roosts in an active room.
• Adequate sleep is important for the new feathers' development.
Avoid petting the bird while the pin feathers are coming in.
Pin feathers are filled with blood and are very sensitive when they first start growing
in. Petting your bird vigorously could damage them and hurt your bird, so avoid doing
it.
• Once the feathers grow in and the hard sheath around the base of the
feather flakes off, you can start petting your bird again without hurting it. He may even let you gently remove some of the sheath as it is ready. If your bird lives alongside another bird they will preen one another.
This will occur towards the end of the moulting process.
Keep your parrot in a space that's room-temperature.
As your parrot's feathers fall out, it will be more susceptible to chilly drafts. Because
of this, make sure that the room you're keeping your bird in is room temperature, or
generally 70 °F (21 °C). Keep them away from windows or open doors if it's cold
outside.[5]
• Even though parrots are tropical birds, making the room too hot while
they molt may cause them additional discomfort. Our air is very dry, they need the moisture between the feathers to stop the skin drying out.