what does molting mean?

sean · Post by **sean** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 6:41 pm

I have heard the word used in association with when birds grow new feathers. is that correct?

how often to birds molt? is it cyclical throughout their lifetime or do they only do it once? i have star finches. I WISH I KNEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 9:34 pm

birds go through their first moult to attain adult plumage after that it is pretty much on a yearly basis. one way it was put to me years ago was that it is much like a cat or dog moulting ie from thicker winter fur to summer and vice versa. gouldians appear to have the most outstanding moult cos they look like tiny porcupines whilst it is happening

kittani79 · Post by **kittani79** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 10:39 am

Saw a male orange weaver molt once and he looked like he'd flown through a jet engine for a week or two

. He was gorgeous when done though. Most birds don't have that serious a molt.

sean · Post by **sean** » Fri Oct 31, 2008 12:54 am

aahhh. i liked that analogy. i think i get it now. thanks!!

I suppose the first molt would probably be the most drastic, especially in species with bright plumage such as Gouldians?

FINCHIE · Post by **FINCHIE** » Sat Nov 01, 2008 7:42 pm

Do they get a bit stressed when they molt? My Gouldians are constantly sitting with their heads tucked into their wings? I am feeding them boiled egg to help them, is there anything else that aids the feathering process?

Thanks