Feather plucking?

[Khushi4541]

I got my pineapple conure about 3 weeks ago and recently I’m noticing that’s he’s shedding a lot of feathers especially the colourful ones. The previous owners told me he was 3.5 months old so I think he’s too young to be molting. When we initially got him he would lose maybe around the 1-2 feathers daily but recently he’s been losing around 5-7 so how can I confirm if this is from feather plucking?

 

[Mizzely]

First, it is uncommon for babies to pluck.

Second, are there bald patches or spots where you can see the downy feathers? If so, that's abnormal loss and a vet should be consulted.

If you're just seeing feathers but no balding/downy patches, sounds like molting.

Just like people lose hair everyday, they tend to lose feathers regularly as new ones grow in. Then a couple times a year they really lose a ton! This can be triggered by diet changes, seasonal changes, or even their internal clocks.

 

[Khushi4541]

First, it is uncommon for babies to pluck.

Second, are there bald patches or spots where you can see the downy feathers? If so, that's abnormal loss and a vet should be consulted.

If you're just seeing feathers but no balding/downy patches, sounds like molting.

Just like people lose hair everyday, they tend to lose feathers regularly as new ones grow in. Then a couple times a year they really lose a ton! This can be triggered by diet changes, seasonal changes, or even their internal clocks.

I notice a few places where the white feathers are showing but I’m not sure I posted a picture so maybe you can tell me if it’s cause for concern. Also he has no spots like this on his back and when I scratch his head I do notice that there are a lot of new feathers growing in there.

 

[birdy.929]

my green cheek first molted at around that age. he did look a little raggedy and worried me at first, but he grew all his feathers back in a week or two and is now as beautiful as ever. i would say to keep a very close eye and make sure it’s not getting worse.

 

[Khushi4541]

my green cheek first molted at around that age. he did look a little raggedy and worried me at first, but he grew all his feathers back in a week or two and is now as beautiful as ever. i would say to keep a very close eye and make sure it’s not getting worse.

Okay thank you for the reply

 

[Birdie Mama]

Hello and welcome,

Bailey jsut turned 7.5 months old and is going through his first moult now, but had been losing a few feathers here and there ever since I got him at 9 weeks old....seems normal to me based on my experience so far...

 

[Khushi4541]

Hello and welcome,

Bailey jsut turned 7.5 months old and is going through his first moult now, but had been losing a few feathers here and there ever since I got him at 9 weeks old....seems normal to me based on my experience so far...

Well that’s a relief to hear! I’ll just keep a close eye on him to see if he’s actually plucking or if they’re just falling out. Thank you for your reply

 

[Evey]

How old are buddies supposed to be to molt?

 

[Khushi4541]

How old are buddies supposed to be to molt?

I read that usually the minimum age is around 5 months

 

[Evey]

Mine are all molding "Dad, mom and 3 babies(19 weeks old) all at the same time. LOTS of feathers everywhere!