Advice for moulting?

[Viatrixa]

Little Simo is moultin!

As in, definitely moulting, not plucking and such - we've even collected some of his gorgeous feathers that have fallen. Just randomly wondering is there anything we should do for him healthwise? Offer something specific foodwise, mist him more than usual? Other than that he is being his happy little green self (though he seems to scratch ever so slightly more, his head in particular) plays, forages and such. He's scratching more than usual which according to what I researched is normal - apparently misting him more often at this time is a good idea, because it alleviates the itching. Another source claims we should offer him more protein, is this right?

Man his feathers are so gorgeous though, particularly his tail ones. That having said it visually looks so sad when he has less tail feathers, poor baby!

[Wolf]

A slight increase in the amount of protein in his diet would not hurt while he is molting. I depends on what he is getting to eat already as to whether it is actually needed or not. Most of the time the amount of protein that we feed them normally, if we are using any of the commercially available pellets or seed mixes, is probably more than he needs for a maintenance diet already. So he probably does not need it , but a slight increase while molting won't hurt him.

Misting him daily and keeping a dish of water available for him to bathe as often as he wants is a very good idea, especially while molting.

[Viatrixa]

Misting is probably a good idea anyway since it's getting warmer and warmer. He likes his little baths!

I suppose I'll give him a pinch bit more protein but keep a close eye on it!

[Pajarita]

If you are going to increase protein, use either quinoa, hemp and/or sesame seeds. Quinoa and hemp are the only seeds or grains that have complete protein and sesame is high in methionine (good for feather production).

[Viatrixa]

If you are going to increase protein, use either quinoa, hemp and/or sesame seeds. Quinoa and hemp are the only seeds or grains that have complete protein and sesame is high in methionine (good for feather production).

You know what Pajarita??? It's funny you mentioned these things because they're suspecting I may have blood sugar issues, perhaps even diabetes. I'm being tested of course - but even before I get any solid evidence of my own health status, I have decided to make a few life & health changes. Both Quinoa and hemp are on my list and are healthy not just for baby Simo but myself. It may sound silly but I feel that much closer to him when he eats just a bit of the same healthy things I myself do!

Even if I wasn't ill, I somehow feel odd satisfaction eating the same things my bird does - I suppose I can interpret it as a form of bonding?

For laughs, I can admit I've tasted his birdy pellets and I can with honesty say I was surprised at their flavor. They tasted like sugarfree, particularly grainy muesli of some kind. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a crazy "eat what your animal eats" like that because we do have some dietary differences. But still, it was a curious test. I even nibbled on a piece of millet - it's great stress release to chew on the little pods but gotta be careful because they're very dry.

I'm nuts, huh?

[Wolf]

But of course you are nuts, you live with a bird. But then, I don't make a big deal about it, I live with 7 birds, so what does that say about me?!

I have tasted the foods that I feed my dogs, cats and my birds as well, there are many different foods that they eat that we as humans also eat, so it is only natural, I think, to taste what we give them.

As far as I am aware of through my own animals the sharing of food and meals appears to be a bonding activity for all of my animals.

[Pajarita]

I have tried Harrison's pellets and found it was like eating compressed sawdust

And no, I don't think you are crazy (but that's mostly because I thought you were, then I would have to admit to been crazy myself ). And, yes, I do feel the bond when I eat with my parrots - I only do it in the morning and just the fruit of the day (I no longer have to do the 'whole thing' because all my birds eat well now) but I do it every single day for their benefit. Besides, there are two parrots that I have to give the produce personally to each of them or they would not eat it.