Anyway to help with first molt?

Boki · Feb 5, 2019

As soon as I bring the new bird into my home, she appears to be going through her first molt and that is supposed to be a big ordeal, right? She really gets mad if I even pretend to touch her. I gave her first bath (until now she has been soaking herself in her water bowl. At first she was very reluctant but eventually she gave in and seemed to enjoy it. I think I read here that water helps with the molting process.

So not touching her and frequent baths, is there anything else to I can do to help? Her nice bright red colors are starting to show in different places on the body.

Skittys_Daddy · Feb 5, 2019

When they are molting, they are growing new feathers in and its a very stressful time for them (its like a baby teething). Their feathers are VERY sensitive for that reason. Once they have fully grown in and begin to 'open', you can 'gently' rub the new feather between your fingers to get the sheath coating off (I believe its made of keratin). After the new feathers grow in, they'll go from being super sensitive to wanting to be scratched since now they have to deal with the keratin issue.

But frequent baths is a good thing, it will certainly help. Aside from that, I'd just say don't touch her if she doesn't want to be touched and just wait til they are fully grown and then you should be able to touch her, in fact she'll probably demand you too. lol

clark_conure · Feb 6, 2019

what skittysdad said.

I mean stay close, keep the bird on you so it's used to being around you and stays active and entertained and used to you, but if you move you finger up and he/she resists, gets defensive or backs away just stop immediately.

SailBoat · Feb 6, 2019

Truly great advise provided above!
When the covering becomes hard and begins to crack, that is when you can help. Note: If the covering still feels soft, leave it alone.
This is a great time to enhance your relationship by being very mindful of what causes discomfort and avoid that activity.

Anyway to help with first molt?

Boki

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Skittys_Daddy

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clark_conure

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SailBoat

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Jealousy

anytips? my fathers old bluecrowned conure is aggressive and gone cage "sour" crazy

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