Losing pinfeathers?!

[CAGLulu]

Hi all

My 15 months CAG is going through a heavy molt. She has lost a lot of feathers but also new ones are coming in. A month ago I found one pinfeather on the floor that she had lost but I did not really think more about it. Today I found 2 more pinfeathers on the floor?? Is this normal? Have anyone of you experienced this before?

[marie83]

The sheath/part sheath or with the feather in it too?

[CAGLulu]

With the feather in it too.

[marie83]

Sounds like he is ripping them out, has he ever had a plucking problem before? I'm assuming no because of his age. I think you should take him (and plucked pins incase they want to check them for problems, it's better to take ones that are already out then for the vet to have to pluck some himself) to your avian vet. Moulting is usually uncomfortable for them but it shouldn't be making a bird pull them out.
In the meantime make sure he is getting plenty of baths to soften the pins and make him more comfortable, check if there are improvements that can be made to his diet (sprouted seed, beans, etc are excellent to provide every day or 2 at moulting) and provide extra toys, encourage foraging, ensure he is getting enough sleep etc.
Let us know how you get on please.

[naomi]

hi CAGlulu,
my is molting also now,and its really uncomfortable time for him.Marie83 give you really good advice but just want to add be sure you bath him frequently.i was so scared last 2 weeks ago my CAG preen himself very agressive and he broke some of the pin feather.now i give him bath every 2 days and he seems relax.i also spray him aloe vera and i never see him preen too much anymore

[CAGLulu]

Thanks a lot for your help both of you! She has never had a plucking problem before but she had mites approximately two months ago but not any more. I'm taking her to my avian vet this week. I will see if I can take her tomorrow. She gets a lot of protein during her molt; beans, eggs, rice etc. There is always Harrison's pellets available in a bowl. Also fresh fruits and veggies are offered every day. I will definitely bath her more frequently now. I used to bath her twice a week but I will do it three-four times now. Is it okay to spray her with 99,4% pure Aloe Vera or does it need to be 100%?
She does have some foraging toys in her cage but the problem is that she has figured them all out so it is not that fun for her anymore. Need to get some new ones. Thanks for your advice both of you

[naomi]

hello,
i guess 99.4% its okay.its better than nothing.maybe if you able to make yourself?its very easy.
take 1-2 inch of aloe vera,wash it very well.throw the skin and take the clear gel from it(yellow/green gel its dangerous).
blender it with 200 ml of water.and its ready to use.
its summer here and i keep my homemade aloe vera spray inside the refrigerator.when i spray it,momo seems really enjoy.aloe vera help them to moist their skin and kick out the itchy feeling.

before i think momo plucked his feather also,but i find out his skin its too dry and the molting make it more worst.after frequent bath the problem seems solve.