Moulting???

CricketsMum · Post by **CricketsMum** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:18 pm

Hi everyone.

Got a question, Cricket's just over 2yo now, and she's looking decidedly dull. She hasn't lost any of her tail or flight feathers, just the small fluffy ones, so I'm hoping this is just a bit of a molt. She's not eating very well either. Has anyone got any comments? I'm a bit concerned.

She's still active and cheeky as ever, but she's not looking as healthy as normal.... :shock:

thanks all.....

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:20 am

Correct me if Im wrong, but I believe they are molting in Oz this time of yr.

They are breeding this time of yr here in the States. My new baby comes in Jan!!!!

Post by **Lauren** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 2:53 pm

It could be just a moult, My Gilbert is moulting now has lost his tail feathers looking all scruffy and stumpy on the tail, but i'd watch Cricket's eating. She's active which is a GOOD thing! Keep an eye on the eating.

shonofear · Post by **shonofear** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:15 pm

so wats the time of year for moulting?

I clipped my birds wings in Feb 07

Cheers :wink:

Jay · Post by **Jay** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:54 pm

IRNs moult once a year right after the breeding season, so usually at the start of summer. Not all feathers are replaced all at once as the bird has to maintain enough feathers for flight, weather protection, and body temperature regulation.

So if you see a bird with bald spots or very substantial missing feathers, it may be caused by a disorder such as plucking, giardiasis, or worse PBFD. Of course this should be accompanied by an unusual change in behavior and eating patterns, in which case seek avian vet help immediately.