My Gouldians are Molting and look horrible . . .

[JerseyGuy]

I have feathers all over my house. My Gouldian finches are molting, and have never looked so bad. Is there anything I can do for them as they go through this process

[Icearstorm]

JerseyGuy

Lots of eggfood, lots of greens, etc. The good thing about compressed moult is that they usually finish faster and look nice sooner, even if they look absolutely bedraggled in the interim. Compressed moult is extremely energy-intensive, though, so ample protein and nutrient sources should be available at all times.

[MisterGribs]

Agreed, and in the meantime, enjoy your free bird confetti!

[isobea]

One of my male gouldians looks pristine, sings all day long, hasn't lost a feather yet. The other one looks like he's been in the washer and dryer, lost his long tail feathers, pin feathers sticking out all over his body, sits around looking miserable. The worst molt I've seen yet. No rhyme or reason why this one and not the other.
Iso

[lovezebs]

isobea


Hi Iso,

It's been a weir year for my birds as well. Some are moulting , some are not, some have finished, some appear to be stuck, and some haven't started yet.
It's driving me crazy, urrrggg!

[lovezebs]

JerseyGuy

Hi Patrick,

As I mentioned below, it's just been a weird year that way.

Now it's not unusual for them to look like this:

Or like this...

What I'm getting however is this and this, which doesn't seem to want to clear up as readily...

Now, the best way that I know how to help with the moulting, is through nutrition, and lighting.
The best diet of high quality seeds, good egg food, greens, veggies and some fruits if they'll have them. Daily baths, and if at all possible natural unfiltered sunlight.

[littlezebra]

Does the moulting also effect the beak? because in first and second pic's it look like the beak isin't normal ? or is it just the quality ?

[JerseyGuy]

Yeah, right now they really look pretty bad. I feed them a "Moulting/Resting" seed blend. They get both natural light
as well as artificial light above the cage, and added vitamins/minerals in their drinking water. I just don't know how longggggg this is going to last

[lovezebs]

JerseyGuy

It depends on the individual bird, on diet and lighting.

It sometimes seems that just when you are ready to throw in the towel and one morning you wake up, and they are gorgeous again.

It's the Gouldian version of the ugly duckling, the way it's told down in Ausie land, lol (just kidding ).

[marymac]

I'm glad to see those pictures. I was worried about my guy. I haven't been through a molt yet with my birds and he's looking horrible. I've put a few pictures in the gallery of him. The images are labeled: Bill. Molting or something else???

Is there a way that I can just attach the images here like you did Elana???

[marymac]

OK, I think I may have figured out how to add my images

[lovezebs]

marymac

Oh, look at poor Bill, lol.
Talk about the pictures of shame that he wouldn't want going all over the internet, lol.

He has pin featheres coming out everywhere, poor little fella?

Give him loads of good food, especially protein to grow those pretty feathers in, a nice warm light and peace and quiet.

I'd also offer an iodine block to the flight, and a drop of vitamines to his water twice a week.

[marymac]

lovezebs
Thanks Elana!
Yes, he looks and acts miserable!! Don't tell any of the others, but he's my favorite bird. So I'm worried. He's pecking and pulling at his chest feathers non stop.

He's getting iodine in his water. And I'm giving him TONS of eggs, sprouted seed, greens, apples, cucumber, etc. I've put extra treat cups next to his favorite spot. He's just finished with a noisy bath and he's singing his heart out!!

GREAT!!!! Now I'm seeing green and blue feathers at the bottom of the cage....... Ted must be next!

[lovezebs]

marymac

Don't overdo the iodine either Mary.

That's why I like iodine blocks rather than the liquid stuff.

I grind them up and add to my bird grit mix. That way they can take in what they need without me having to worry of overdosing them.

Sounds like his diet is wonderful, so now it's only time and patience.

[marymac]

lovezebs
Sounds good! I'll see where I can find them and order some. I'm pretty careful with the iodine. I use 1 drop to 2 cups of water. But the blocks sound better because they decide when they need it...... They always seem to know better than I do! My vet said he alternates the iodine with apple cider vinegar to their water. Although I always add a tiny bit of ACV to their bath water.

Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it.