What is called molting in birds? How long does the moult last for birds?

What is called molting in birds? This is the process by which the feather cover changes. For birds, it is a necessity. Over time, feathers wear out, lose thermal qualities and affect even the ability to fly. When molting, the layer of the epidermis also changes, which periodically dies. Updated scales on the paws and plates of the beak.

In all birds molting occurs in different ways. Someone quickly, some last more than six months. Some birds molt abundantly, so that even the bald patches are formed, while others may not notice the process of changing the feathers. However, they all share one thing - weakening of immunity. Feathers become less mobile, they experience drowsiness. Also, birds during molting need more caloric food. As for domestic animals, they require more thorough care during this period.

Types of molting

There are two types of molting:

1. Juvenile - in young individuals. It occurs in all birds at different times. For example, in chicks, juvenile molting begins at the age of 3-45 days from birth and ends in about 4-5 months. And for young individuals of waterfowl this molt occurs somewhat later. It begins at the age of 60-70 days, but ends after 2 months.
2. Periodic - this is a molt in adults, which occurs once a year.

What is moulting in birds? This is a periodic change of plumage. In adults, in natural conditions, it does not depend on age, but on the season. Usually it's the end of summer or autumn. But in birds, contained in captivity, molting occurs only after oviposition.

Periods of plumage change

It is always from the central part that birds begin to molt. The new feathers were wider than those of the discarded ones, and they are lighter than the old ones. The duration of the change of feathers is also different for all.

Birds can shed several times a year, it all depends on their kind. But all birds, without exception, undergo the first annual change of feathers. The beginning of this process is different for each species. Some - between migrations, others - in the interval between the laying of eggs and the appearance of chicks.

What is necessary for birds during moulting

During this period, the immunity of birds is weakened, and their body needs additional micronutrients. If in the natural habitat the birds are intuitively finding everything they need, then the birds living at home need additional care. This includes mandatory vitamin supplements and special foods. This is especially necessary for those who have the process in the winter. Birds with bright colors need more attention than others. If they are fed incorrectly, the plumage will become dim.

What to do if the bird does not molt

The reason for the absence of molting can be covered in illness or starting problems with health. Such birds are kept in warm rooms, but the air should not be very dry or wet. 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 more rigid. To make it not dry and remain elastic, cages and open-air cages should be equipped with bathing suits with water at room temperature. If the bird does not use them, then it must be sprayed daily from the spray gun. But if the moult has not come, then you can try to add a doll of ants.

Molting in hens: features

Due to the fact that there is a possibility of climate regulation, the moulting process does not depend on the season at all. The chicken, hatched in the spring, molts at the beginning of winter or at the end of autumn. Accordingly, if it was born in the fall, then this process occurs at the end of spring or summer. During moult the chicken does not carry eggs. It lasts from 15 to 20 days. After the moult, the egg-laying of the chicken is immediately resumed.

Individuals that were born in the spring are mainly grown to produce meat. Because the period of carrying eggs is short, keeping such a bird on the farm is unprofitable. In this case 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 of parrots begins at the age of two months. This period is very important, because the sexual maturation of the individual. After the moulting, the parrot is considered to be adult and sexually mature.

This is a vital process for the normal existence of birds. Feathers change not only during puberty, but also throughout life. Usually this happens twice a year. At the same time the bird becomes inactive, lethargy and drowsiness appear. This is due to the fact that metabolic processes are intensified during molting.

The plumage also changes after the mating period. In some species, the molting process is generally invisible, no bald patches are observed. But if the feathers fall out unbalanced, then the parrot can not fly at this time. Moulting is often a reaction of a bird to fright. Sometimes this is a symptom of a serious illness.

How to shed the cocks

This natural process occurs in all birds, regardless of the species. Corella thus also slightly changes its coloring, as new feathers have brighter and more saturated shades. But there is a species of birds and their own characteristics.

We have already found out what is called molting in birds. Corelles have this process gradually. First the flight feathers change, then the helmsmen. The process takes a long time - up to six months. And in several stages. But visually notice this is very difficult.

Young birds shed a little faster: they begin to lose plumage by four months, and finish by the end of the first year of life. At this time, the diet is very important. Corell needs to receive as many vitamins and minerals as possible.

When molting, some parrots experience severe pain. But for the most part this process is painless. However, molting in the corals is accompanied by unpleasant sensations. Therefore, in captivity they are contraindicated in drafts and high humidity. The food should be high-grade, and during the peak molting - very nutritious. In the diet must be present oil seeds, you can give sunflower, hemp or chopped nuts. It is also recommended to use vitaminized nutritional supplements, which are sold in all pet stores.

In the article we examined what is called molting in birds, how it occurs and when. Summarizing, we can say briefly: this is the replacement of old feathers with new ones, which for birds of different species and ages are at different times, and also depends on the season change and so on.