How to know when molt started?

[Haimovfids]

I have an almost 4-month-old sun conure.

I’ve been noticing him shed a LOT of down feathers even since he turned 3 months old. I assumed he was starting to molt, but I read that 6 months is when they should start.

I noticed a few pins around his face (very few) , but today I saw a cluster of bright pins on his chin!! I’m very excited for him to change into his adult colors, but how do I know if he officially started his molt? I genuinely thought 6 months was the bare minimum age.

Oh, and he lost this feather last week.

 

[Mizzely]

If there are a lot of feathers and no bald spots or downy feathers showing through on your bird, then it's a molt

Birds do lose feathers continuously as they can, but they usually do a big molt 1-3 times a year. Sometimes they are triggered by warmer weather, longer photoperiods, and better nutrition - all signs for the body that energy for growing feathers is plentiful!

 

[Haimovfids]

no bald spots or downy feathers showing through on your bird

Actually, I see 2 bald spots on his chest, and I’ve been seeing down feathers sticking out of his body ever since he was 3 months.

What does that mean?

 

[Mizzely]

Do you have a photo?

 

[Haimovfids]

Do you have a photo?

He has a few pin feathers in that area too. Notice how you can see the down feather?

 

[Mizzely]

Okay so just a little scruffy is okay. If it gets worse or he's noticably balding, that's not normal molting usually, and would be worth a vet visit. A molt shouldn't compromise a bird's health, and their down feathers or skin being exposed would make it harder for them to stay warm.