Hello i have a cockatiel that is 4 monthes old, i am sure that she(maybe he) is molting. My question is.... Do birds get grumpy when they molt?
Also, She is almost solid yellow, with a little very light grey feathers on her wings, it seems that some of her new feathers are coming in also a very light grey (maybe cinnimon) replacing some of the yellow on her back and neck, is this normal?
Thank you for helping me out today!
2006-09-24 06:18:54 · 5 answers · asked by Jen 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
hi your bird is now moulting out of it's baby plumage into it's adult plumage this happens when the bird is approx 3 months old,it would not be normal if your bird does not now have a yearly moult each september.my advice would be a little tonic during the moult.
2006-09-24 07:07:32 · answer #1 · answered by barrie s 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, very normal. We also have a cockatiel, he is 6 years old, and has always been a bit grumpy when molting. Don't forget, the pin feathers can give them a stinging sensation when coming in.
But after the molt, he is the sweetest thing on earth, he is just a lovable guy.
2006-09-24 13:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by ANTHONY M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You better believe, they get grumpy around the time of molting...
grunchie, crabby is another term.....I've compared it to a women having her period....They get depressed and don't eat real good either....make sure they are getting a good diet at this time...
this is very normal behavior...from your description, it sounds like you have a Latino cockatiel...but it also sounds like its turning into
a pied...all very normal...You have a beautiful new friend...
good luck...
2006-09-24 15:00:05 · answer #3 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes, it is very normal for any bird to get grumpy when they molt. and it is also very normal for their feathers to fall out and be replaced by newly colored feathers. don't be too worried, its just a phase that birds go through, and it'll get better! good luck!
2006-09-24 13:34:53 · answer #4 · answered by lindsey 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup, they do occasionally. It can't be pleasant for them with all of that itchiness, and the keratin capsules coming through their skin and having to break them to release the feathers.
She/He is probably crabby as hell, and I can't blame her.
Don't worry, it will pass. Be kind to her and let her know it's okay. Give her an extra healthy treat or two and be careful when you handle her as you don't want to rub her in the wrong direction and perhaps irritate those new feathers poking through.
Just be the kind, understanding person you are and help her along as best you can.
She'll love you all the more for it!
2006-09-24 13:28:12 · answer #5 · answered by Phoenix 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋