molting?

[crossfit]

When do baby birds go through their first molt? I know that in our climates they tend to molt constantly rather than all in one season but I noticed two tail feathers at the bottom of Hawkins sleep cage. There was no sign they had been chewed or pulled but now I am paranoid. He is just 6 months old tomorrow. I do think I see new red feathers growing in under the old ones though but I just wanted some reassurance or someone who knows to tell me to do something if needed. Also, what triggers molting? I know for my chickens it is the length of daylight hours but I have no clue for any other type of bird.

[Jayd]

Hi...how are you? A Grey's first big molt usually starts around a year old and takes a long time...a couple of feathers at a time. On the red tail feathers you found, check and see if they are pulled out (nice smooth point) or bitten (which leaves a jagged edge). Please let us know... You should mist your baby with aloe vera juice (you can purchase it at Walmart) a couple of times along with your normal bathing. Feed your baby more protein, ie. tuna in water, salmon, chicken breast or turkey (all cooked). Molting is a high-stressed/nutritionally depleting time. Attached is an excellent article on molting which I'm sure you'll enjoy. Jayd

 

http://www.2ndchance.info/molt.htm

[crossfit]

Thanks. This is helpful. The feathers were pulled cleanly. No ragged edges. I was worried as we ran out of his harrisons and he was eating a different brand for four days while the Harrisons was being shipped. I won't let that happen again. I have aloe and can do that easily. In fact, I was looking for the thread about that earlier. He has seemed to me to be itchy. Just from observation he seems to be scratching a bit more. It has also gotten really hot, really suddenly here so it might just be due to the humidity being lower rather abruptly. I have a hygragometer or whatever they are called that measures humidity. I will try him out tonight on some chicken. That is what we are having for dinner as well.

[Jayd]

Thank you for your reply, don't worry, all's ok.....Jayd

[danmcq]

Jay gave great advice.

 

Also, when playing hard, landing hard etc.. They sometimes damage the tail feathers. Once their body detects a feather is damaged, it starts the process of build a bew tail feather which then pushes the damaged feather out. Unless you see them physically yank a feather out of the socket, you cannot possibly know if it molted out naturally due to damage or was plucked.

 

I had the same thoughts as you when my grey was young, clumbsy and rolling around with toys (which he still does) and he lost a tail feather or two.

[Georgiesmum]

great link thank you jayd