Ask Lafeber

Molting – Dr. Lamb Webinar Feb 10

My little 2-1/2 year old budgie Clancy does a complete moult every 3-4 months. Is this normal for him to do it so frequently. He is very healthy and talkative and has a great appetite. I feed him Nutriberries & premium seed, plus broccoli and bell pepper seeds. He does not like fruit. Am I doing something wrong?

In captivity, molt cycles can be a little off due to unnatural light cycles and altered environmental factors from what would naturally occur in the wild. Usually a parrot only does a complete molt 1-2 times a year. They will molt body contour feather more frequently but the flight feathers should be about 1-2 times a year.

Dr. Stephanie Lamb