Early First Molt?

[Alien J]

TD will be four months old on October 1st. Is it possible that TD has begun his/her first molt already? I've been finding more feathers, a lot more feathers, in the bottom of the cage the last two days.

 

[Hankmacaw]

@Macawnutz is the feather expert, but I can tell you this much. You should look at the root end of the feathers and see if they are dry or if they look like they have some blood or fleshy material on them. If they are not dry, he may be plucking. Try to take some pictures of the molted feathers and post them.

Not to scare the wits out of you, but a new member just posted that she has a baby Timmeh that has PBFD. Be aware and read up on PBFD. Urgent - PBFD? HELP!!! | Avian Avenue Parrot Forum

 

[Alien J]

@Macawnutz is the feather expert

Try to take some pictures of the molted feathers and post them.

Here's some pics of the feathers. @Macawnutz could you please look?

Oops. Idk why, but all of the pics of the feathers say the files are too large to upload. Let me try again.

 

[Alien J]

Every picture I take of a feather or feathers won't upload. I don't understand. I've posted many pics of the whole bird so why can't I post one of a feather?

 

[Hankmacaw]

Take a look at the size of the picture. I'm pretty sure there is a size limitation. Put the camera on 640 x 3?? pixels and I know it will be small enough.

 

[Tiel Feathers]

A cockatiels first molt can be anywhere from 6-12 months, but five months isn't uncommon. I would imagine four months isn't unheard of either, since it all depends on the bird. Molts usually start with some small, downy feathers, and sometimes there can be so many, you wonder how they have any left! The bigger feathers molt last, and are done symmetrically. Also, not all feathers will be molted out in a single molt. It could also be the time of year, because Fall is a common time for a mot. I hope you can figure out the pictures, so experienced members can look to see if the feathers look normal!

 

[Alien J]

@Tiel Feathers and @Hankmacaw Thanks! I will keep trying to get the pictures posted. I am the President of the TCG (Technologically Challenged Generation) so please bear with me!

 

[Macawnutz]

Just resize your images. Baby molto are usually heavy, I'm sure that's what you are seeing.

 

[Alien J]

Just resize your images.

How does one do that?

 

[Macawnutz]

How does one do that?

Are you on a desktop or mobile device? Each will have free apps/programs to do it.

 

[Alien J]

Are you on a desktop or mobile device

Mobile device.

 

[kitsunebandit]

From my experience breeding cockatiels I have found that they can begin moulting from 4 months old but usually start around 6 on average. I wouldn't be too alarmed!

 

[Macawnutz]

Mobile device.

Then you should be able to choose your photo and select "edit" resizing will be an option.

 

[Alien J]

If they are not dry, he may be plucking

They are dry. Also, remember, in our situation (full time Rv'er's) TD is virtually within my field of vision 24/7. I've noticed no excessive plucking.

 

[Alien J]

finally! @Macawnutz here's some of the feathers!

 

[Hankmacaw]

Hooray - you did it. Now there is not excuse for not posting lots of pictures.
Yeah, those look like normally molted feathers. Be sure to save them, you'll love having them around.

I traveled with my birds in my RV for 6 months of the years for about 9 years. They loved it and loved when we were driving down the road. I loved it too and just wish I hadn't gotten so darned old.

Hank on the cage (no Jasper in the picture) with the RV parked in my driveway. Before I remodeled the inside.

 

[Macawnutz]

Those are molting, not many birds pluck large feathers.

 

[Alien J]

Be sure to save them, you'll love having them around.

I've saved every feather from TD and from Miyetti last year. I saw a diy toy you can make from your bird's feathers I might try.

I traveled with my birds in my RV for 6 months of the years for about 9 years

Thank you @Hankmacaw . I have been feeling like I am not giving TD a good home bcuz of our traveling lifestyle. I've heard so much about the stress on a bird that traveling can cause. I've even considered if it would be better for TD to be with someone else... but I love TD so much. I can barely stand the thought of being without him/her. And TD is such a happy, good natured creature. He/she is always whistling, talking, laughing. Of course, I wouldn't hesitate to do what was best for TD, if I believed it to be best. It's good to know that other birds have happily traveled with their slaves!

 

[Alien J]

Those are molting, not many birds pluck large feathers.

Thank you! Now I can find something else to worry myself sick about!

 

[sunnysmom]

Molting. And such pretty feathers. I know a couple of people that will paint bird portraits on the larger feathers. I keep meaning to have it done with one of the ones I kept from Sunny.