Kiwi going through a hard molt

Skyandkiwi · 7/21/20

Hey guys,

I know I have made many threads today, but this time, I really need advice! My budgie kiwi has been molting for about a week and a half now, and everyday, it seems to get worse with more pin feathers growing. He sleeps a lot more since molting takes up a lot of energy. He sleeps, eats, flies and plays normally. Although, he is not as active and is most of the time puffed up and sleeping. While he sleeps, he always grinds his beak and sleeps in a good position. He sings, tail wags and head bobs a lot! I hate seeing my little girl in such condition and I feel like the pin feathers aren’t going anywhere! She’s taken a few baths, but not that much. What else can I do to make her feel better? Any suggestions? Thanks

(Btw, the pictures do not show all the other pin feathers on his neck. There are A LOT more on his tail, neck and cheeks)

clarousel · 7/21/20

Commenting so I get info too! Preeno is moulting a lot now as well but he's still very active.

Skyandkiwi · 7/21/20

clarousel said:
Commenting so I get info too! Preeno is moulting a lot now as well but he's still very active.

Budgies being sleeping during a molt is normal right? It says so online...

Lady Jane · 7/21/20

Oh my goodness is he ever cute.

when Murphy was with me his molts were beyond bad. Especially his big poofy head. He rubbed it on perches sometimes to the point of bleeding. I took him to the vet but not much could be done. I mixed a bit of aloe in water and squirted his head gently.

clarousel · 7/21/20

I can't remember if I read this about moulting but is it advised to give calcium during moults? Like egg shells?

Preeno currently has a lot of pinnies on his head and cheeks but he doesn't seem that fussed. It's his first moult and my first time experiencing this so I'm not too sure about being more sleepy!

Skyandkiwi · 7/21/20

clarousel said:
I can't remember if I read this about moulting but is it advised to give calcium during moults? Like egg shells?

Preeno currently has a lot of pinnies on his head and cheeks but he doesn't seem that fussed. It's his first moult and my first time experiencing this so I'm not too sure about being more sleepy!

Yes, I like to give them cuttlebone (same as calcium), not sure about egg shells (sounds unusual to feed a bird). I am not sure if it helps, but I feel as though it’s necessary

Skyandkiwi · 7/21/20

Lady Jane said:
Oh my goodness is he ever cute.

when Murphy was with me his molts were beyond bad. Especially his big poofy head. He rubbed it on perches sometimes to the point of bleeding. I took him to the vet but not much could be done. I mixed a bit of aloe in water and squirted his head gently.

Lol! My budgies LOVE to itch their head on their rope perches. Especially now since their moulting. I am curious if anyone has experienced a sleepy bird during a moult as well?

Kiwi & Co. · 7/22/20

Just give her lots of bathing opportunities to help soften the sheaths, my budgies are both molting right now, and have been taking more baths and rubbing their heads on their perches (not that the rope perch Kiwi always rubs his head on helps

)

Skyandkiwi · 7/22/20

Kiwi's Mom said:
Just give her lots of bathing opportunities to help soften the sheaths, my budgies are both molting right now, and have been taking more baths and rubbing their heads on their perches (not that the rope perch Kiwi always rubs his head on helps )

I put out a cup of water and kiwi just dived in!! She LOVES bathing! :laughing6:

Kiwi & Co. · 7/22/20

Skyandkiwi said:
I put out a cup of water and kiwi just dived in!! She LOVES bathing!

My Kiwi after a bath:

Monaco · 7/22/20

Oh, kiwi! You are so cute. Monaco was miserable too, especially with those big tail feathers and coverts. I did take her to the bathroom for higher humidity. She didn't want a shower, so we hung out with steam a few times, until she got interested in a shower. I bet those big ones hurt, but the porcupine head was her worst mood yet.

Skyandkiwi · 7/22/20

Kiwi's Mom said:
My Kiwi after a bath:
View attachment 346962

LOL! so cute

Kiwi & Co. · 7/22/20

Skyandkiwi said:
LOL! so cute

You can see his little porcupine head :laughing6:

Skyandkiwi · 7/22/20

You can!!
or as I like to call it, his little pineapple head!! :embarassed:

Lady Jane · 7/22/20

It is advisable to offer protein foods during molts such as eggs. Protein helps new feathers to grow just as it does for humans. Not so much for calcium.

Skyandkiwi · 7/22/20

Lady Jane said:
It is advisable to offer protein foods during molts such as eggs. Protein helps new feathers to grow just as it does for humans. Not so much for calcium.

I've tried many times offering my budgies egg, but they don't like it! Any advice on how I can trick them into eating it?

Kiwi & Co. · 7/22/20

Skyandkiwi said:
I've tried many times offering my budgies egg, but they don't like it! Any advice on how I can trick them into eating it?

Maybe stick some seed in it? I’ve never had any issues giving it to mine, they wanted it the moment they saw it :lol:

Skyandkiwi · 7/22/20

Kiwi's Mom said:
Maybe stick some seed in it? I’ve never had any issues giving it to mine, they wanted it the moment they saw it

Lucky!! I'll try that and see if I can trick them into eating it... :idea:

Lady Jane · 7/22/20

Millet seeds may work.

Skyandkiwi · 7/22/20

Lady Jane said:
Millet seeds may work.

I’ve tried that, but they’ve just picked the millet off :naughty:

Kiwi going through a hard molt

Sprinting down the street

Attachments

Rollerblading along the road

Sprinting down the street

Ripping up the road

Rollerblading along the road

Sprinting down the street

Sprinting down the street

Rollerblading along the road

Sprinting down the street

Attachments

Rollerblading along the road

Rollerblading along the road

Sprinting down the street

Rollerblading along the road

Sprinting down the street

Ripping up the road

Sprinting down the street

Rollerblading along the road

Sprinting down the street

Ripping up the road

Sprinting down the street