My parakeets losing feathers?

Question

I have a parakeet named Ralphy. Yesterday I found two big feathers on the floor. what does it mean if his feathers are coming out. Is he sick?

Answer 1

Its possible he's just molting his feathers. This is normal for birds.

Keep an eye on him, if he looses a bunch more (obv. bald spots are present), lack of apetite, not intrested in drinking, any ocular (eye) discharge, nasal discharge, or if he's showing any sign of lethargy, he might be gravely ill, and will need to go to the vet.

Many times, bird hide their symptoms so well, by the time they start showing any signs of illness, its usually too late.

Just keep a good eye on him.

Answer 2

All birds go into a molt in which they lose some feathers, even big feathers. Your bird is probably just in it's molting season. Nothing to worry about if it's just feathers and doesn't last very long. Most birds if they are sick will show other visible signs of illness.

Answer 3

All birds go through a molting period each year. This is where the bird loses feathers and grows new ones.Also, sometimes my birds rip out the bigger feathers because they can feel new feathers growing beneath the old one,so there is nothing to worry about.

Answer 4

He is molting. This is normal and happens regularly. There will be down and dust and feathers everywhere at one time or another. They have to shed the old ones for new ones to come in.Make sure he has a good diet with extra vitamins when he molts especially calcium or a cuttle bone. okay?

Answer 5

Sounds like he is just moulting Moulting – this is a natural occurrence and it’s how a bird renews its plumage each year. The budgerigar, unlike most birds, does not moult at regular intervals. The budgie’s first moult is at the age of ten or twelve weeks, but is rather erratic. It may moult completely and quickly, or just cast a few feathers now and again. October is the usual month for the moult but it may last for as long as 8 weeks. During the moult, it is important to protect the birds from draughts, as they are very susceptible to chills at this time, and extra food should be provided to help maintain health and resistance to disease. However, the opportunity should be provided for them to bathe, as feathers require moisture for proper growth. If he is stressed or showing any illness then proper vet treatment may be required, but sounds like he might just be moulting.

Answer 6

I don't think it's normal for the big feathers to come out. (they're pretty though!) Watch your bird carefully, and make sure that it isn't pulling out it's own feather. If your keet is pulling out his own feathers(the big feathers) then it's bored. Make sure that your keet isn't bored! There are many true stories about keets dying of boredom. MAke sure you have music, and plenty of toys! Buy a new toy every month, and rotate them around the cage. Keets get bored very easily. . .they're quite intelligent, and they love to interact with people. I hope this helps! Good luck!

Answer 7

when i first got my bird she had started to pluck her tail feathers (dont worry she stopped) but it also could be molting. my birds start a the same time so i know when it happens. just watch your bird and if she has little white things on here feathers it means shes molting.

Answer 8

No, she is just shedding her feathers, molting, it called, nothing to worry about, unless she is losing major feathers! Call the vet then.

Answer 9

Hes just in a molt.... Its normal. They change some of there feathers every six or so months. Then they regrow.

Answer 10

hes fine.
theres diff possibilities!
he could be molting. which is normal especially if hes young.
he also could be bored.
try playing with him more!!
if you notice him not eating or sleeping all the time he might be sick. try feeding him from your hand if hes not eating. also try vitamins in his water you can find them at petstores! this will keep your bird healthy!!