Why Are My Parakeet’s Feathers Falling Out?

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You may notice strange behaviors in your parakeet as he becomes accustomed to living in your home. They frequently lose their feathers, which is one concern you might observe.

Although it is frequently not a major deal, this can be very unsettling for someone who has never had a parakeet before.

The Causes of Feather Loss

For various reasons, your parakeet’s feathers may, at some point, begin to ruffle. You don’t need to worry too much about the majority of these cases because they are not that serious.

Wildlife Parakeet Bird Plumage Parrot Species Cute

However, the parakeet may occasionally have an infection, so it’s vital to be aware of the many causes and some of the associated warning signs.

The following are a few of the most typical causes of feather loss in parakeets:

1. Molting 

The process of molting is the most frequent cause of feather loss in parakeets. Your parakeet will occasionally lose some of its lovely feathers, which is normal.

During these two months of molting, most feathers will gradually fall off while the new ones fill in.

When parakeets preen and remove older feathers to keep themselves clean, it is not uncommon for them to assist in this process.

If molting is why your parakeet is losing feathers, you should see riveted feathers or some prickly new growth on the top of his head, where he can’t reach to fix the issue.

After the molting phase has passed, the bird may still be losing feathers, which indicates that there is probably another reason.

2. Parasites and Infections

Just because a parakeet has many feathers doesn’t mean that parasites and skin conditions can’t also cause many problems.

Although it happens infrequently, birds can be attacked by lice, fleas, and other microscopic insects. They may lose some of their luster in the process.

A fungal infection like ringworm is indicated by feather loss that occurs close to the neck or the skull.

Parrot Parakeet Sun Parakeet South American Parrot

Look for additional indications that your parakeet might be experiencing internal problems. The most common symptom of an issue with your bird is diarrhea.

The parasite infestation and fungus infection might occasionally make the parakeet scratch and itch. A common occurrence in parakeet behavior is for the parakeet to pluck on the feathers to relieve their frustration.

3. Self-Mutilation

Most of the time, the feather loss is caused by your bird’s molting process. However, it is also one of the other possibilities.

It may be related to stress or boredom if you cannot determine the cause of the parakeet’s feather loss.

Consider whether you recently changed anything about their routine.

Some birds, like some people, are more emotionally sensitive than others. The bird could become agitated by something as minor as a diet or daily routine modification.

If the parakeet’s daily routine has altered, this is a hint that you should only allow them time to get used to the change.

Blue Parakeet Bird Blue Parrot Budgerigar

If things are not improving, it may be appropriate to swap things back and see if it helps the parakeet feel more at ease.

Pay attention to your bird in certain situations to see if anything makes them feel uneasy.

When you do not offer the bird enough attention or toys to engage with, boredom can lead to self-mutilation.

The most common cause of this is when a bird is left alone in its cage all day while you are at work. They may become bored and seek activities to keep themselves occupied.

To keep them entertained and avoid this problem, find new toys or invite someone to play with them during the day.

4. Lack of Sufficient Protein in Their Diet

If your parakeet only consumes seeds, then the diet probably contains too little protein. Make sure the buddy is consuming items like fruits, vegetables, or nuts with high quantities of proteins.

A shortage of protein will weaken both new and old feathers, which can result in the parakeet losing feathers when he molts.

Budgies Bird Animal Beak Food Wildlife

5. Getting Insufficient Sunlight

Make sure your parakeets are not kept in gloomy cages all day. Parakeets need natural light daily to synthesize adequate vitamin D to maintain healthy feathers and skin oil.

Leave the cage outside for at least an hour each day.

6. Toxic Substances in the Cage

Please make sure there are no harmful substances like lead paint or mercury vapors that could create an illness or respiratory problems that would cause parakeet feather loss because the environment your friend lives in is crucial to the parakeet’s health.

Conclusion

When a parrot molts, he grows new, tougher feathers that are more resistant to wear from chewing or biting. For some extra tender loving care, now is the ideal time to bathe your parakeet!

As parakeets require something to aid in the growth of strong, healthy new feathers, you can also give molting birds a cuttlebone.

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Lizzy Ashton

Lizzy Ashton

Hi, my name is Lizzy Ashton, and I’m from Louisiana.
I consider myself an expert when it comes to raising parakeets and have been doing it for many years now. I’m 32 years old, live with my boyfriend, and together, we have 7 parakeets at home.
Our home is full of light and greenery, which my birds love. We even let them fly around the house (windows closed, of course)!

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