Can you tell me a little about molting? At what age is their first molt? How often if more than once will it happen? Is it the same thing as shedding for cats and dogs as the seasons change?

Can you tell me a little about molting? At what age is their first molt? around 3-4 months

 

How often if more than once will it happen? 3-4 x a year, inside budgies seem to molt at least every 3 months because of the artifical heating and cooling, aviary budgies maybe a bit different. A molt can be light or it can be heavy, it can be long lasting for a month or they may drop the feathers and in a few weeks be in top condition, every molt is different. Molting is a stressful time for birds, they do become cranky, itchy on their heads so you may see them become more bitey, itch on different parts of the aviary/cage or toys and preen more. Molting Aide is can help aide the bird along with frequent bathes offered..

 

Is it the same thing as shedding for cats and dogs as the seasons change? No dogs and cats shedding is due to the daylight hours being shorten in the winter and longer in th summer. Birds molt to replace feathers that may be damaged by doing this it keeps them in top shape for flying away from predators.

Edited July 17, 200817 yr by Elly

http://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/faqs/i...;highlight=molt

FAQ has a good basic Molt article

 

But I have noticed that my budgies go through Molt at season changes :hap: But they are freaks LOL

MOLTING

Here is a good read for molting - Make sure that they have plenty of food and rest too as it is hard on a budgie going through molt

I agree with Elly and neat.

 

I find my guys go through molt if I change their environment. Eg, I aught all my guys and put them in cages while I am painting near the aviary and they have all started to molt! So I have 10 very grumpy birds!

Birds also moult if you change their diet...new type of seed compared to what they have been having. Some birds get really sick with moulting and need warmth and time in a hospital cage. Moulting aid is very good.

Birds also moult if you change their diet...new type of seed compared to what they have been having. Some birds get really sick with moulting and need warmth and time in a hospital cage. Moulting aid is very good.

 

 

At the moment I am sitting there checking them twice a day saying "please don't get sick, please don't get sick" I have run out of room for people near heat vents!

 

Agree with their diet part that is why you should change them to a new diet on gradual base.

Edited July 18, 200817 yr by Angelic Vampyre

*doh how could I forget the change of food that is the first thing i usually say