Another molting question...

[EvertonsMama]

So I really think that Evie is going through his first molt, his poor little face looks pathetic with all his pin feathers especially around his beak. Is it normal for him to lose more feathers as he preens and grooms during this time? It seems like his little feathers just come off as he cleans himself and im really afraid of him turing into a plucker.

[LovelySydney]

I think that is normal because the new feathers are coming in, but I'm not an expert.

[Jinx n Noodle]

Yes it's normal when they're molting! Looks like a pillow fight gone wrong at my house when the time comes.

[StephGee]

Birds can't pluck their own heads, so if it's head feathers, they are just falling out to make room for the new ones. If he's full of pins, I wouldn't worry about it. Just be sure he has a bath that he likes to use or try misting him with water twice a day (never too close to bed--you don't want him to chill). You want to keep him nice and hydrated when molting. Herbie's skin got too dry and he plucked at the beginning of this molt. One vet visit, a bottle of aloe spray, two baths a day and red palm oil supplement later he's fully feathered again.

[Sally]

Yes, make sure he has a good place he loves to bathe in.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Sally11/bathPICT0047fix400.jpg

[Rosekeet]

Darcy looked really disheveled when he went through his first molt. All covered in pins and loosing feathers... Every bird is different and some look worse than others. I wouldn't worry.

Chipper is so cute in her bath! Darcy only wants to bathe in his water dish. *rolls eyes* He doesn't like being misted, he won't go near a shallow dish filled with water, dislikes the sink... Silly bird....

[chapala]

They can be uncomfortable with all those new feathers coming in. Hopefully, it won't go on too long!

[StephGee]

Rosekeet, Herbie and Darcy could be twins. ONLY in the waterdish. ::sigh::

[EvertonsMama]

I think this molting might cause poor little Evie to be a bit bipolar. He can be so sweet and cuddly wanting us to snuggle his face and neck (im guessing it feels good to rub the new feathers right?) Then five minutes later he is nippy, he especially likes to bite my lips OUCH! We are all just being understanding of each other and trying to help our little guy.

[chapala]

If he's biting your lips, I'd keep him away from the face! Ouch! AS far as feeling good to rub the new feathers, yes it does feel good to them once the blood supply has receded. Before that, the pins are very tender and they are quick to point out they don't want them touched. His body language will let you know whether the feathers are ready of not, and be sure at first just to nip the very tips of the feathers off with your fingernails, not the whole feather sheath. That comes later.