When do Green cheeks start their first moult?

Stitchthestitch · Mar 29, 2020

Albie is now 15 and a bit weeks old and over the last few days I've found the odd fluffy downy feather, I didn't think anything of those ones as it was only 2 or 3. Today he has lost 3 chest feathers, the coloured ones not the fluffy downy ones.

Is this normal for his age? I found them on us when he was preening. There was no sign of him pulling them out himself, as there were no squeaks of pain or flinching when he did it and I've checked him over and there no blood.

Thanks

SailBoat · Mar 29, 2020

I have little history with Green Cheeks, but noticed that your Thread had been missed, which sadly happened from time to time.

There are variation between species as to when they tend to molt. But it is common for all species to loose feathers in the Spring, as it warms up, and in the Fall when it becomes cooler and in all cases they will have their best feathers as the enter mating season.

Also, major changes in temperature will result in the addition or loss of downy feathers.

With hope, another member with experience with Green Cheeks will be along to provide more specific information.

Stitchthestitch · Mar 30, 2020

Thanks,I've rang my vet this morning and they said it's most probably normal especially because we found the feathers around us rather than in his cage and we didn't see any signs of discomfort, and explained pretty much what you have sailboat. I'm probably just overly worrying, with everything that is going on at the moment plus he's my first bird I just didn't want to take any chances.

Jen5200 · Mar 30, 2020

I have never had a baby green cheek, but my adults are always losing a few feathers here and there. It’s quite normal to shed a couple daily in my house. When moulting starts, the number of feathers increases pretty dramatically. For example when they take off flying and leave several feathers behind lol. I always check the ends of the feathers that are dropped to be sure there’s no blood or chew marks at the base of them - which might indicate a problem. I’m glad you are vigilant, it means you are more likely to catch issues early - and checking with your vet is never a bad thing. You’ll get to know what’s normal for him over time

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chris-md · Mar 30, 2020

SailBoat said:
There are variation between species as to when they tend to molt. But it is common for all species to loose feathers in the Spring, as it warms up, and in the Fall when it becomes cooler and in all cases they will have their best feathers as the enter mating season.

I've brought this question of frequency up with my vet, as Parker only molts once a year like clock work in August, unlike many other ekkies who are twice a year. According to my CAV, it can even vary from individual to individual - let alone species to species - depending on how far removed from the wild they are, generationally speaking. They can lose a bit of that seasonal sensitivity. Forgive me, as I forget which is which (farther remove from the wild, the less often you molt, or vice versa), but it was fascinating to learn.

When do Green cheeks start their first moult?

Stitchthestitch

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SailBoat

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Stitchthestitch

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Jen5200

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chris-md

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One soggy Albie

Is this a normal behavior ????

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