Elaine Henley P.G. Dip CABC

Full Member Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)
Animal Behaviour Training Council (ABTC) Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist

Phone: 01294 833764

Website: www.dogbehaviour.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/animalbehaviourclinic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elainehenleyparrotexpert

Moulting in Parrots is a stressful and all-consuming biological process that can leave your bird fatigued, stressed and in some cases vulnerable to diseases. Many Parrot caregivers report significant behavioural changes with their Parrots, ranging from screaming, to irritability, to aggression.

Feathers distinguish birds from other animals, who may have scales or fur. Feathers have many functions; they enable flight, protection against the elements - to stay warm and dry, camouflage, courtship behaviour and as a way of communicating with us and others. There are seven types of feathers:

• 1) Flight feathers on the wing and tail.
• 2) Contour or covert feathers that are found on the bird’s body and provide protection against the elements, waterproofing and communication with others.
• 3) Fluffy down feathers which are located under the contour feathers that provide further insulation.
• 4) Semiplume feathers that are slightly larger than down feathers and provide further insulation.
• 5) Brittle down feathers that shed a fine waxy powder forming a waterproof dressing for the contour feathers.
• 6) The long, fine, hairlike filoplumes that serve a proprioceptive function.
• 7) The long, stiff bristle feathers that are located around the bird’s mouth and eyes which may have a sensory function, similar to a cats whiskers.

Each of these feathers are made up of Keratin. Throughout the bird’s life, these feathers will become worn and tatty, reducing the bird’s ability to stay warm/cool, communicate and fly. To prevent undue limitations on the bird’s life, these feathers are regularly shed in what is commonly referred to as a moult.

Moulting is perfectly natural and all birds do it, but it can still cause Parrot caregivers some alarm when they witness many feathers at the bottom of the cage or play stand. Parrots tend to moult symmetrically, that is they lose a feather on one side of their bodies and then on the other side to retain balance. Birds also tend to have a sequence of moulting, for example, starting with wing feathers, and then tail feathers and so on. Parrots usually moult once or twice a year, with larger species every two years and some small species three times a year. However, down feathers are shed continuously throughout the year in those birds who have them. Moulting usually occurs when the seasons change – Spring and Autumn being the most likely times. From a feather being dropped to a new one emerging may take 4-6 weeks. It should be noted that the duration of a moulting period may be prolonged or affected by nutritional or other factors such as temperature and humidity and those Parrots may be “stuck in a moult”.

Moulting has a metabolic cost to a bird, with some sources reporting between 15% and 30% rise in their metabolic rate. During a moult, birds may require additional nutrition together with specific amino acids for protein formation. Parrots may require additional protein sources and calcium, as blood calcium levels drop during moulting.

Parrots in captivity can face challenges when moulting, from being fed an insufficient food, being exposed to an incorrect temperature and humidity for their species, being confined in a cage or aviary causing feather abrasions. Parrots who have experienced a severe flight feather mutilation are more likely to suffer irritation and pain when new feathers grow back, in due to shorter quills and frayed edges and are more likely to mutilate this area by plucking or snipping at the new feathers.

Moulting usually does not cause your Parrot any pain, however, be aware that the emerging feather is encased in a sheath of shiny white or grey keratin, which is rubbed off by the Parrots in the process of preening. Mutual preening between Parrots allows for the removal of the sheath on the head, which is difficult for the Parrot to reach by themselves. The emerging feathers may cause some irritation to the Parrot who may excessively scratch and bite at the area that is causing irritation. Endorphins are then produced in the Parrot’s brain from the relief they feel from the feather being released and they become addicted to this chemical high and continue to pick at the emerging feathers; and thus, the cycle of feather picking may begin.

However, as mentioned, not all Parrots moult with ease and some may have a lower threshold to tolerate the itchiness and minor pain that may be associated with this process than others. Parrot caregivers may notice a change in behaviour that is not usual for their bird. The behavioural problems most likely seen include defensive behaviours, lethargy, caregiver directed aggression and feather destructive behaviours. It is important that caregivers, upon seeing significant and prolonged behavioural changes, consult an avian vet as soon as possible as their bird may benefit from some short term pain relief. 

Parrot caregivers should support their Parrots during a moult and by doing so minimise long term behavioural consequences.

Provide appropriate warmth: moulting may involve losing those important insulating feathers, without which your Parrot will be feel chilled.

Provide appropriate humidity: the average Parrot needs to be kept in an environment that is at least 30% humid.

Provide adequate misting with tepid water: many Parrots evolved in humid environments, where they were exposed to daily showers from rain, or condensation from the tree leaves that they roost in. The exposure to showers, prevents their waterproofing dust from becoming dry and itchy. Caregivers can mimic this in captivity by gentling misting their Parrot a few times a day. During moulting additional misting relives some of the itch from keratin dust that may dry out on the skin or which gets into your Parrots nostrils, ears or eyes.

Provide alternative preening opportunities: during a moult a Parrot may become overzealous or obsessive with over-preening new feather growth.

Provide adequate nutrition during a moult: as your Parrot will have additional nutritional requirements, in addition to feeding a premium food, feed vegetables that are rich with protein and amino acids - during a moult I will give my Parrots some hard-boiled eggs, shell and all and add calcium to their water.

Provide a trusting and relaxing environment: think of how you felt when you have had a mosquito bite or prickly skin; you sleep less, you are irritable and this is how many Parrots feel when they are moulting. Ignore these unwelcome behavioural flare ups, be observant of their body language and respect their wishes if they don’t wish to be patted or are more snippy.

Provide your Parrot with as much natural light as possible: by taking them outside safely in specially designed Parrot carriers, moving a cage outside for them.

Provide opportunities for exercise and to socialise with their flock: Parrots, during a moult, can become fixated with their irritating feathers which may result in over preening and a feather destructive habit. Increasing out of cage time, together with low key social interactions with their flock, may provide a diversion from their irritation.