Questions about molting

[Nanajennie]

I don't really have a good concept on molting. I hear 'season' and 'molting' etc... but I really don't know understand:
1) when it usually happens
2) what to expect when it happens
3) how old my Zebra's will be when it will occur.
4) what causes it and is it possible for siblings to molt at different times, as her brothers are not exhibiting any signs (my friend has the brothers at her house)

I suspect molting with my 3 month old hen... is this possible? I thought Lucy, who is 8 months old might be molting too. they are in the same cage and they both are exhibiting the same rough look. under feathers up around the wings, lethargy, not snuggling, didn't touch the cucumber today, which is their favorite veggie. I am hoping they aren't sick (Lucy just recovered from egg binding yesterday)
but Lina is now acting odd. they have not been exposed to any sick or contaminated birds etc.

[Ginene]

Nanajennie
I am confused about moulting too, Jennie...Hopefully the experts can help us...I will look up some info on the Finch Info Center and then Google it too.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Most finches go through a juvenile moult at around 3 to 5 months of age. After that, healthy adult birds from temperate climates moult once a year, usually after the breeding season. Birds from equatorial regions may moult more often, related more to diet and humidity than length of day or temperature. Moulting can also be triggered by stress, too much (or too little) light, warm temperatures and too rich a diet. I'm sure that others will fill you in on the specifics of zebra moulting, as they're not my specialty. Bob

[Nanajennie]

30 Seconds to Bob thank you for responding!

so...

what is a 'breeding season?' is it just after that particular pair bred?

My two hens were born and raised here in Vermont. Mom in the Fall, which is kind of chilly, and the daughter born in the dead of Winter.

That being said.... These last 7ish days have been warming up, so I moved the cages to the sunniest window. Opened the screened windows and let the screen/shrub filtered light shine on the cages. They had plently of natural light, but also some shade. Some gentle breezes too. Maybe I left them too soon too fast in the sun/wind/air is what I am gathering.. maybe that could cause a molt with a 3 month old (on target) and a 8 month old to molt together?

should i limit the time they are in the window sun/shade/breeze?

PS it was never cooler then 70 when I opened the window and never warmer the 79

[debbie276]

Not a zebra expert but all my gouldians molt every spring when the days get longer and temperatures get hotter. They lose their old tattered and dull feathers for new shiny ones so they can "wow" their mate, right after the molt they go into their breeding season.
The only way I know they are molting is by the feathers all over the bottom of the aviary and the pin feathers on their heads. They don't act sick or lose the ability to fly. It's a natural thing and in nature they would be vulnerable to predators if they suffered from a molt. I offer them hard boiled egg for the protein to build strong feathers every day at this time.

[Ginene]

After that, healthy adult birds from temperate climates moult once a year, usually after the breeding season.

Thanks Bob ...I notice moulting more in my Goulds, as I can see the white pin feathers because of the coloring of their normal feathers. For my other birds, I just notice the molted feathers all over the place. Thankfully, my birds seem to be molting normally. I read that sometimes birds go through a hard molt, which is harder on their bodies and can last for 3 months.

@debbie276
Thanks Debbie ...I have read and heard that the first molt Gouldians go through can be very difficult...Yet another reason that I will stick to non-breeding flights . Is Feather Fast a good supplement for all of my birds when they are molting? I read that Dr. Rob (I think) gives it to his birds during this time. I worry about over supplementing just as much as under-supplementing my birds. I was also wondering why people recommend not adding vitamins to daily water? Should these be added to veggies/egg-food instead?

[finchandlovebird]

Agree with all that's said. I would note that young birds in a clutch seem to moult at different stages from each other. It's like they are not syncranized. Why would this be ??

[debbie276]

I never have supplemented with any molt aid. Hard boiled eggs added to their diet has everything they would need, vitamins, minerals and protein. It's a good idea not to dilute the egg with added stuff, I just add a teaspoon per egg of hand feeding formula (which also is a high protein complete food) to dry it out a bit.

[Diana]

Molting season in my house at the moment, I vaccuum tons of feathers daily! I hope it stops soon. So I guess it is spring time!

[Ginene]

debbie276
Thanks for the tip . I have an order from ladygouldian.com coming any day now, and I chose the hand feeding formula as a free sample. I will try adding it to my egg food and see how my guys like it.

[debbie276]

I have an order from ladygouldian.com coming any day now, and I chose the hand feeding formula as a free sample. I will try adding it to my egg food and see how my guys like it.

I didn't realize Laraine carried hand feeding formula. I use the exact hand feeding formula you can find at any pet store, which does she carry?

[Ginene]

[quote="debbie276"]I didn't realize Laraine carried hand feeding formula. I use the exact hand feeding formula you can find at any pet store, which does she carry?[quote]
Actually, its not hand feeding formula...sorry. It's called miracle meal...I believe the parents feed it to the chicks. Newbie mistake... .

[debbie276]

Ahhh, gotcha. Haven't used that

[Nanajennie]

Great info being shared, Thanks everyone!

[dcompt]

Molt at my house too - feather city. I give mine Miracle Meal too, on the grounds that it's a well balanced supplement and the birds love it and eat it readily. I don't bother giving egg as they won't eat it, and have Feather Fast but seldom remember to use it -- negligent bird mom!

How is the best way to use the Feather Fast? When I have remembered I've sprinkled a little on their veggies, but don't want to change the texture/taste enough to deter them from eating them.

I should pick up some dry egg food. They might take that better - I could mix it with the Miracle Meal.