Two tail feathers moulted at once

[Sparkles99]

Is it normal to moult two tail feathers are once? Winston just did. I didn't even realize they have two long tail feathers... How long 'till they grow back?

 

[Kiwi & Co.]

Mine have never molted both at once but it’s probably not a big issue. Mine usually molt 4 of them every year and still have a full long tail feather each time so probably 3 to 4 months for them to grow back.

 

[Sparkles99]

Thanks, his tail looks really short now. There are no long tail feathers left. Aurelius' is longer. I guess so long as it's normal. I wondered if it were a sign of disease, in which case he'd need an appointment no matter what he thought of handling. I guess they have four total?

 

[Sparkles99]

He also moulted some fluffy feathers & a wing feather, if that helps.

 

[Kiwi & Co.]

I guess they have four total?

They have two, they just molt each one twice a year

If he continues to molt out more flights and tail feathers then it can be a cause for concern (PBFD and similar concerns)

 

[Kiwi & Co.]

He also moulted some fluffy feathers & a wing feather, if that helps.

Sounds like he’s probably just headed into a heavier molt then.

 

[Sparkles99]

Okay, I'll monitor him for what he moults. So far the only big feathers are those three (2 tail; 1 wing). I was just a little shocked by the tail. I collect their big feathers anyway, so am very up on what's been moulted. If he starts moulting left, right & centre, I'll have him tested.

 

[Mizzely]

It's possible that one molted and then the other didn't have enough support so it molted a little early is all

The wings and tail should molt symmetrically, so if you lost one wing feather, you should be getting the matching one from the other side in the next day or two.

New feathers usually take a few weeks to grow in and be preened out of the sheath. Some will take longer than others!

 

[Sparkles99]

That sounds neat! I'll be on the lookout for the match. Is there a chart somewhere that shows the feathers of the budgie, with how many of each kind there are, etc.?

 

[Mizzely]

This is about as close as I've seen

 

[Mybluebird]

Most of the time Buddy molts one long tail feather at a time but a couple of times he molted both. I was worried that it might affect his flying but it didn't. I recall it took about 4 weeks for the new ones to completely grow in.

 

[Gigibirds]

My birds will occasionally moult a couple of big feathers (wing or tail) at once....its no big deal - it just happens some times! Especially with my p'let, most times she loses her big feathers in 'pairs'.