# Bird Moulting in the UK: Normal vs Not — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-moulting-uk): Bird Moulting in the UK: Normal vs Not — Quick answer. Moulting is the gradual, symmetrical replacement of feathers, usually once or twice a year. New pin feathers emerge in a waxy sheath — normal and temporary. A moulting bird should never have bald patches: bare skin, broken blood feathers or year-round feather loss needs a UK avian vet.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-moulting-uk): Bird Moulting in the UK: Normal vs Not — What happens during a moult. Old feathers loosen and drop while replacements grow in as pin feathers — sharp white stubs that make the head look spiky. Each pin contains a blood supply, which is why a broken pin feather can bleed heavily. According to UK bird-keeping guidance, the process is gradual so the bird can keep flying and stay warm throughout.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-moulting-uk): Bird Moulting in the UK: Normal vs Not — How often birds moult. | Bird | Typical pattern | |------|-----------------| | Budgies | One to two moults a year, often spring and autumn; each lasting a few weeks | | Canaries | Usually once a year, often in summer, taking six to twelve weeks | | Cockatiels and parrots | A main annual moult, sometimes with a lighter second moult | | Indoor birds | Patterns can blur — artificial lighting disrupts the day-length cues that trigger moult |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-moulting-uk): Bird Moulting in the UK: Normal vs Not — Normal moult vs problem feather loss. | Normal | See an avian vet | |--------|------------------| | Feathers shed gradually and symmetrically | Bald patches of bare skin | | Spiky pin feathers on head and neck | Pins with black or brown tips, or a stalled moult | | A few quiet, irritable days | Fluffed, lethargic bird off its food | | Canaries pause singing | Singing stops outside the moult | | Slightly untidy plumage for weeks | Feather loss all year ("soft moult") or self-inflicted damage |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-moulting-uk): Bird Moulting in the UK: Normal vs Not — Supporting your bird through a moult. - Extra protein — growing feathers is protein-hungry work; offer egg food, sprouted seeds or a vet-recommended moulting supplement - Mineral block or cuttlebone available at all times - Bathing — a shallow dish or gentle misting softens pin sheaths and eases itching - Warmth — thinner plumage means less insulation; avoid draughts - Rest — up to 12 hours of dark, quiet sleep; a breathable cage cover helps - Gentle handling — pin feathers are tender

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-moulting-uk