Molting Worries

[rachtc]

Hey everyone,

My parrotlet is about 4-5 months old and he recently started his molt. So far it hasn't been too bad, other than him being a little cranky. However, all through today he hasn't been his usual energetic self - he's been really lethargic and just sitting around all puffed up. He has been eating and drinking. All he really wants to do is cuddle and be warm.

This could also be related to the weather here recently - it's been super chilly and rainy and he was sitting in a mildly chilly room, but it never effected him before now.

So, I was wondering if anyone else's parrotlets had displayed these symptoms while molting before?

Also, I talked to the vet and they said if he stops eating, drinking, or wanting to perch I should bring him in. So I've done that but I can't help but worry. :P

Thanks in advance!

[missie]

I'm not sure why your vet said that if he stops eating or dringing THEN bring him in. By that time it could be too late. These little guys are fragile when it comes to their health and from what I understand time is of the essence when they get sick. They can decline very rapidly.

Molting does make them irritable, itchy and 'bitey', but I'm not sure that puffing up and huddled in a corner is part of a molt.

I'd look for another opinion on the vet scene.

If this is the same little one as reference in your other post regarding the two in the same cage, maybe it's time to separate them.

Keep us posted. Hope someone will chime in with more detailed help for you.

[Bodie]

I'm not sure why your vet said that if he stops eating or dringing THEN bring him in. By that time it could be too late. These little guys are fragile when it comes to their health and from what I understand time is of the essence when they get sick. They can decline very rapidly.

Molting does make them irritable, itchy and 'bitey', but I'm not sure that puffing up and huddled in a corner is part of a molt.

I'd look for another opinion on the vet scene.

If this is the same little one as reference in your other post regarding the two in the same cage, maybe it's time to separate them.

Keep us posted. Hope someone will chime in with more detailed help for you.




I agree. I would look for a different vet. Make sure it is an avian vet.

Bodie just went thru a heavy molt and he did not act like that and he is 12. Making new feathers is very demanding and stressful for them. Maybe adding some more protein to their diet during those times.


Keep us posted what the new vet says.

[Jinx n Noodle]

Welcome to the forum! I would agree that maybe a vet visit would be in order, sometimes the signs of illness are so subtle you may not be aware that they're sick. Happened with my cockatiel, I sat there for 1 week wondering what was off about her before I realized her voice was just a tad off and off to the vet we went, good thing too, because she had a cold/sinus infection.

[Tina&Jeremy]

We had a similar experience with Agave. She just finished her first molt (at 5 months too) and she got really, really quiet and lethargic. She dropped weight, too. We took her to the avian vet ASAP, who couldn't find anything wrong. We put her on antibiotics just in case, but she didn't get better. On a follow-up phone call, the vet suggested upping her protein since she was using up a lot of energy growing new feathers. We temporarily removed seed and fruit from her diet and for a few days we fed her only her pellets and cooked egg whites (which she loves). In no time she was vibrant, peppy, a ton of new feathers came in, and her weight went right back to normal.

That's not to say your bird should not see a vet, but egg whites might help things until then... very best of luck. I know how scary it is when your birdie is not normal.