July 29, 2019
tail feathers
my conure is losing tail feathers
Question:
Answer:
Hi Hilda,
A lot of birds are molting right now with the hot weather, so this is probably what is going on. Other causes could be a cage that is too small or some birds get startled during the night and thrash around which can cause wing and tail feathers to come out. If you have a cat, make sure it can’t get near the cage as this could be the cause. Children will also pull at feathers if they can reach the cage. Birds will pluck their own feathers, but pulling out tail feathers, especially only tail feathers, is rare. My guess is this is a molt and he will start losing other feathers, too. New feathers will be growing in to replace the molted feathers and the bird might be a bit cross during this time.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
