Losing feathers?

[wishingonastar]

Hi everyone,

The feathers on the top of Grover's head have started to thin out and she's sort of balding a bit. What's happening to her and what do I do to fix it?

Thanks for your help,
Sarah.

[sodakat]

Sounds like she is molting. New feathers will replace the ones molting out. Nothing you need to do. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal, even though it can look kooky for a while (even months in some cases).

[jimpierce7]

sure sounds like molting.

[FirstTimeBirdie]

at what age do they start molting?

[Zoe's Mom]

Age of moulting sometimes depends on the bird. Zazu is almost 3 and still hasn't had a heavy moult. Then again he didn't come from the best background and wasnt fed a good diet.

[wishingonastar]

Thanks everyone - her feathers are growing back now. She's only about 9 months old, so this is perhaps a bit early for a moult?

[Monica]

Birds usually molt once or twice a year. They can molt as early as 4 months, or as late as 12 months. Most people say that birds start their first molt at around 6 months, but this can vary for the larger species.

Molting before she is a year old is completely normal.