first time bird mom here - cha cha is six months old and a few of her tail feathers have fallen out. i've been finding little puffies around the house, and when i gave her a scratch on the neck two little feathers came out in my hand. is this a molt? what is a molt defined as? how often should she be losing feathers? none of them are bloody and she doesn't mind at all.
losing feathers?
- Thread starter alleyj
- Start date
HELP! My Parrot is falling apart! One of the most common statements of new parrot owners. At your parrot's age, they begin the process of molting, which sets the stage for Adult Feathering.
Also, young parrots are known for having ratty tail feathers. Tons of energy and always having their tails in the wrong place. This to shall pass!
Molting is a very important time to develop a strong relationship with your parrot. As new feathers come in, they will be in a soft covering. When ready for release, the cover will become hard and will crack open. You can help with this. NOTE: A soft cover is not ready and should be past by. The soft covers will become hard with time and with a little pressure will crack open. Commonly, the ones your parrot cannot reach should be your target.
Also, young parrots are known for having ratty tail feathers. Tons of energy and always having their tails in the wrong place. This to shall pass!
Molting is a very important time to develop a strong relationship with your parrot. As new feathers come in, they will be in a soft covering. When ready for release, the cover will become hard and will crack open. You can help with this. NOTE: A soft cover is not ready and should be past by. The soft covers will become hard with time and with a little pressure will crack open. Commonly, the ones your parrot cannot reach should be your target.
- Thread starter
- #3
Interesting you say that - she has two little hard "pricks" on each of her cheeks that have been there for a while. Does she need help with those? Her tail is super ratty lol, she has to grow into it!
Christinenc2000
New member
Ally I would love to see a picture of your Fid
Yup, very likely that they are ready to be preened. Preening is more art than science. With you finger nails, create a pitch point that will allow you to crush the covering. Start at the furthest outer point and work in words. Note, if it feels at all soft, too early! Try again a couple of days later. regardless of whether you think it is ready, if your parrot pulls away or nibs at you - its too early. With time and practice, you will learn the art of preening.
It could be a few months or a few years before her tail is not ratty. Its all about growing-up!
It could be a few months or a few years before her tail is not ratty. Its all about growing-up!
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- Thread starter
- #6
Also don't push the feather in when you are trying to crush the casing because that hurts too. It's hard not push as you squeeze. Expect to get nipped UNTIL YOU learn to preen like a birdy.
What a sweetheart! Great pics
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