The regular moult is characterised by the loss of large and small feathers (wing, tail,
body) which happens naturally. Moulting birds permanently remain able to fly during the moult.
During a regular moult no naked skin shows up, the bird's body should always be covered
by a few feathers. In place of the old and worn feathers new ones grow up. These new feathers
look like tiny sticks with a thin, translucently to white coloured covering. Within a few
days this covering opens and releases the new feather. The photo on the right shows
some of these coverings in the range of the bird's head (view red circle).
During the moult budgies and other birds are substantially less active than they use to be
in general. In particular older birds sleep more and occasionally they are even extremely
excitable and sensitive to disturbances, which are acknowledged with loud grumbling and
furious bites. If you support your bird during the moult with food supplements and
vitamins and let him take his time he will most probably soon recover and feel better
again.
Concerning a regular moult it occasionally happens that the bird loses too many feathers at the same time. The bird's ability to fly then temporarily is reduced. Older birds who are experienced in flying can adjust skilfully. Young birds who undergo their first moult are usually less trained than their older fellows. Therefore crashes can happen.
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Please note:
If a budgie of any age loses too many primary feathers (wing feathers) at the same time and has difficulties to fly you should better not risk any accident and leave the bird in its cage for the next few days. When the new feathers are large enough to guarantee a save flight and navigation the bird should be let out of the cage again. In general it doesn't take longer than two weeks until the feathers grow back. |
In order to help a bird while it is undergoing the natural moult, you should let it sleep as much as it wants. The older the bird is, the moodier and more unbalanced it becomes during the moult. Their body needs much energy in order to build up the new feathers. Therefore it is important to provide healthy fresh food like fruits or vegetable. Salad cucumber for example contains a lot of minerals which the birds need during the moult, also sprouted wheat is a recommended food.
Link tip: Do you want to discuss with experts and other bird owners about your bird's health? Then please feel free to visit the English forum 
of 
. Of course you will meet me there, too. My nickname is "Feenseeschwalbe".
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