My bird is molting (his first molt) and he's acting sort of mean when I handle him. He bites more and all. Is there something I can do to make the process easier for him?
Also, does it mean anything if your bird sneezes? What if he sneezes a couple times a day?
2007-08-21 08:14:18 · 7 answers · asked by alexandra0o7 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
Molting does not hurt a bird, but the process of growing in new feathers is very itchy!
When a bird is itchy and can't get it to stop he gets grouchy, just like we would do.
You can try checking him for pin feathers. These are feathers that have not opened up, and have a stiff white spine around them. This spike is extremely itchy, and most birds will pluck them out themselves. But sometimes they need help with the ones they can't reach, like on their neck or the back of their head.
Try holding him gently yet firmly with one hand while the other hand ruffles the feathers on the back of his head and neck. If you find any pinfeathers you can try to gently roll them between your fingers until they slide off the feather. If that does not work you can grasp the pin feather ( and ONLY the pin feather!) firmly and swiftly pull it out.
the bird will squawk and jump, but he will not hold a grudge. You can pull a few pin feathers this way, but only a few. Leave the rest for the next day so as not to damage his skin.
When you have managed to get rid of most of these itchy nuisances you should have a happier bird again.
Misting with a water spray can help too, just as a bath helps us when we are itchy.
Good Luck!
2007-08-21 11:07:37 · answer #1 · answered by John P 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Moulting is a very stressful time for a bird,more so his first moult. Some birds do feel uncomfortable whilst moulting which in turn does make them irritable,they are more susceptible to illness at moulting time. Allowing your bird to bathe will help,(tepid water only)if not try a tepid water spray.Morning time is best,allowing time for your bird to dry thoroughly before bedtime.I would avoid handling him until the worst of the moult is over.
Birds do sneeze on the odd occasion,it only becomes worrying if its continual...
2007-08-21 08:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can give him a lukewarm water bath to help with the process. It doesn't hurt him, but his skin is a little more sensitive than usual.
If he sneezes multiple times in a row, sometimes it is a sign of attention, meaning, he wants attention. Just talk to him, take him out when you get the chance a few times a day, and he should be fine.
Good Luck!
2007-08-21 08:23:09 · answer #3 · answered by Phoenix 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive got two parakeets and i think theyre molting, ive only had them for a short while i make no attempt to handle them b/c i dont want to frighten them. i do know that when their new feathers grow in it can be rather annoying to the bird.
2007-08-21 08:36:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how to answer about his behavior, but usually molting is completely natural and I'm almost positive that it does not hurt.
2007-08-21 08:26:21 · answer #5 · answered by squeezie_1999 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For sure it does to some extent when it pulls the feather out. My Cockatiel sometimes screams bloody murder from it.
2016-05-03 01:14:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are already stable solutions, I merely love speaking approximately my Byrd. He likes as quickly as I preen his head and neck, yet while he's tired of it, he shall we me comprehend. we've been together very practically 8 years, so we very practically end each others sentences...LOL
2016-10-16 09:00:13 · answer #7 · answered by herrion 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋