What is called molting in birds? This is the process by which the feather cover changes. For birds it is a necessity. Over time, the feathers wear out, lose their thermal qualities and even affect their ability to fly. When molting, the layer of the epidermis also changes, which periodically dies. Paw scales and beak plates are updated.
All birds molt in different ways. Someone quickly, some lasts more than six months. Some birds molt abundantly, so that even bald patches are formed, while others may not notice the process of changing plumage. However, all of them are united by one thing - weakening of immunity. Birds become less mobile, they have drowsiness. Also, birds during molting need more high-calorie foods. As for domestic individuals, they during this period require more thorough care.
Types of molting
There are two types of molting:
- Juvenile - in young individuals. It occurs in all birds at different times. For example, in chickens, juvenile molting begins at the age of 3-45 days from birth and ends after about 4-5 months. And in young individuals of waterfowl, this molting occurs a little later. It starts at the age of 60-70 days, but ends after 2 months.
- Periodic - this is a molt in adults that occurs once a year.
What is molting in birds? This is a periodic change of plumage. In adults, in vivo, it does not depend on age, but on the season. Usually it is the end of summer or autumn. But in birds held in captivity, molting occurs only after oviposition.
Plumage Change Periods
Shedding birds always begin from the central part. The new feathers smelled wider than the discarded ones, and they are lighter than the old ones. The duration of the plumage change is also different for everyone.
Birds can molt several times a year, it all depends on their type. But all birds, without exception, go through the first annual change of feathers. The beginning of this process is different for each species. In some - between migrations, in others - between the laying of eggs and the appearance of chicks.
What birds need during molting
During this period, the immunity of birds is weakened, and their body needs to receive additional trace elements. If in the natural habitat the feathered birds intuitively find everything they need, then the birds living at home need additional care. This includes essential vitamin supplements and special foods. This is especially necessary for those who have a process in the winter. Birds that have a bright color should pay more attention than others. If they are fed incorrectly, the plumage will become dull.
What to do if the bird does not molt
The reason for the lack of molting may be due to illness or incipient health problems. Such birds are kept in warm rooms, but the air should not be very dry or humid. It is also necessary that the cage or aviary be large and spacious.
What is called molting in birds? This is a change of plumage, in which the skin can become tougher. So that it does not dry and remain elastic, in the cages and aviaries should be installed swimsuits with water at room temperature. If the bird does not use them, then it must be sprayed daily from the spray gun. But if molting has not yet occurred, then you can try adding ants pupae to your food.
Chicken Shedding: Features
Due to the possibility of climate control, the molting process does not depend on the season at all. Chicken hatched in spring molts at the beginning of winter or at the end of autumn. Accordingly, if it was born in the autumn, then this process falls on the end of spring or summer. During molting, the chicken does not lay eggs. It lasts from 15 to 20 days. After molting, the egg production of the chicken resumes immediately.
Individuals that were born in the spring are mainly grown for meat. Because they have a short period of laying eggs, it is unprofitable to keep such a bird on the farm. At the same time, molting in such hens proceeds very slowly.
How does the plumage change in parrots
In these birds, the process occurs several times a year. The very first molt in parrots begins at two months of age. This period is very important, as the puberty of the individual occurs. After moulting, the parrot is considered already adult and sexually mature.
This is a vital process for the normal existence of birds. Feathers change not only during puberty, but throughout life. This usually happens twice a year. In this case, the bird becomes inactive, lethargy and drowsiness appear. This is due to the fact that during molting, metabolic processes intensify.
The plumage changes after the mating period. In some species, the process of molting is generally invisible, bald patches are not observed. But if the feathers fall out of balance, then the parrot cannot fly at this time. Often molting is the reaction of a bird to fright. Sometimes this is a symptom of a serious illness.
How shed
This natural process occurs in all birds, regardless of species. Thus, Corella also changes its coloring a little, as the new feathers have brighter and more saturated shades. But this species of birds has its own characteristics.
We have already found out what is called molting in birds. In Corelli, this process occurs gradually. First the feathers of the feathers change, then the tail feathers. The process takes a long time - up to six months. Moreover, in several stages. But visually notice it is very difficult.
Young birds molt a little faster: they begin to lose plumage by the age of four months, and finish by the end of the first year of life. At this time, diet is very important. Corella needs to get as many vitamins and minerals as possible.
When molting, some parrots experience severe pain. But for the most part, this is a painless process. However, molting in Corelli is accompanied by unpleasant sensations. Therefore, in captivity, drafts and high humidity are contraindicated for them. Nutrition should be complete, and at the peak of molting - very nutritious. Oil-bearing seeds must be present in the diet, you can give sunflower, hemp or chopped nuts. It is also recommended to use fortified food supplements, which are sold in all pet stores.
In the article we examined what is called molting in birds, how it occurs and when. To summarize, we can say briefly: this is a change of old feathers to new ones, which takes place at different times in birds of different species and ages, and also depends on changing seasons and so on.