Molting in birds is normal and usually no cause for concern. Since birds cannot repair feathers that grow old or become damaged, these feathers must be dropped to make room for new, healthy feathers. Excessive molting in your bird, however, can be a sign of extreme stress or illness and may require a trip to the vet. The frequency and extent of molting in birds varies with species. Many birds molt twice a year, others may molt more or less frequently. Normal molting in birds usually occurs a few feathers at a time. Old feathers are dropped and new ones grow in, in the same feather follicle. This systematic process of feather replacement ensures that the bird can remain able to fly throughout the molt. If a bird was to lose too many feathers at once its ability to fly, and therefore defend itself, seek food, find shelter, etc., would be compromised. Excessive molting often means just that; birds losing too many feathers are unable to defend themselves and may become additionally stressed. Although it is a natural process, even normal molting in birds can be very stressful for them. Although some birds may exhibit a slightly decreased appetite while molting, it is important to provide your bird with a well-balanced diet. Offering several food choices may help ensure there is something to his liking during this difficult time. Be sure his water dish is full of clean water at all times. Keeping environmental stresses to a minimum during the molting process can be helpful as well. This is even more important in cases of excessive molting in your bird. Normal molting can cause birds to be slightly lethargic, which may be greatly exacerbated in the case of excessive molting. This may indicate a vitamin deficiency, which could be the root cause of the excessive molting. There is research to indicate that some vitamins and fatty acids can help prevent excessive molting in birds. Check with your vet to see if your bird may benefit from supplements. Since new feathers should be growing in as the old ones fall out, normal molting in birds should not cause bald patches or bare spots. Excessive molting in birds, however, may cause very noticeable bald patches. If you notice bare spots on your bird, have him checked by an avian veterinarian. Molting in birds allows the old, worn and possibly damaged feathers to be replaced with healthier new feathers. This process keeps a bird not only looking better but better able to fly. In cases of excessive molting in birds, however, both the appearance and ability to fly may be adversely affected.
