Molting, appetite and my Java Finches

[bobsinoregon]

Hello. My Family of Java Finches are molting. They don't show pin feathers, but the cage bottom and floor are full of feathers.

Their appetites seem depressed. Less seed, more egg food. And they like their Kale. Other then that, they are happy, no signs of illness, etc.

Is it normal for their appetites to change\decrease during a molt cycle?

I searched the forums but couldn't seem to pinpoint this topic.

Thank you!

[Icearstorm]

bobsinoregon
Appetites of moulting birds typically changes to a more nutrient-rich, higher-calorie diet with more protein and fat. They will start eating more eggfood. If anything, food intake should increase. Egg has more calories than seed, so they may still be ingesting more calories even with the decrease of seed in their diet.

[lovezebs]

bobsinoregon

Molting can be a somewhat stressfull time for some birds, but with proper nutrition they should come through with flying colors.

If they want eggs, cook up a batch of hard boiled eggs and let them have eggs. Their bodies are telling them that they need protein to grow healthy new feathers, and that the seed mix alone is not going to provide it. Eggs on the other hand, are full of rich protein and many other nutrients and vitamines as well.
Do they get any live foods (such as mealworms, flightless fruitflies etc ?) If not, you can purchase some freeze dried mealworms (Walmart), ground them up and mix into the eggs, which will up the protein levels. Freeze dried Bloodworms (any fish department) can be mixed in as well.

I would also offer a variety of greens, along with some fruit.

A daily bath of lukewarm water, will be appreciated, and some sunlight if at all possible will do wonders.

Please keep us updated, and good luck.

[bobsinoregon]

Thank you!

Can they be fed Live Mealworms?

[lovezebs]

bobsinoregon

I just posted an answer, and it disappeared...how odd.

Regarding Mealworms:

Yes, you can feed live mealworms to Javas.

However, some will eat them and some won't, depending on how they were raised.

[wildbird]

You should see some pin feathers coming in. Did they lose their feathers suddenly? Is it possible that something frightened them? Their appetitite should still be good, and they usually don't lose a lot of feathers at one time. They love chopped kale, and some love the dried herb salads and greens.

[bobsinoregon]

Thanks, pin feathers galore, on their way.

Appetite is good, they just want different foods.

Yes, both the finches and I Love Kale.

All is good!

[lovezebs]

bobsinoregon

Good to hear .

[Shannylee]

Thank you!

Can they be fed Live Mealworms?

Mine go nuts over live mealworms. The male will shove his bride out of the way and eat every last one of them.