The Eclectus Moult

The all important feather

Feathers are unique to birds, setting them apart from every other animal. They are a parrot's most important asset. They give the ability of flight and protect our kids from the elements.

Eckies are fastidious groomers. They spend hours preening and caring for their plumage. Despite this, feathers become frayed, broken or crimped over time. Daily play, flight practice and everyday activities take a toll on our Eckies feathers. If you look closely at your Eckie, you might be able to see ragged edges on the very tip of a primary or tail feather. If this feather didn't molt, this damage will increase over time, rendering the feather useless. Molting is an ingenious process. It ensures our Eckies' feathers remain in perfect condition, so they can play, fly and enjoy life to its fullest.

What is molting?

Molting is a process where old feathers fall out and are replaced by new ones. Feathers are made from a protein called keratin, just like our hair and fingernails. Unlike skin, keratin is unable to repair itself. If a feather is damaged or frayed, it will remain that way until the parrot molts.

The importance of protein

When a parrot molts, protein is taken from the Eckie's body. If a parrot is not provided with protein rich foods to supplement this output, their body will be depleted.

An Eckie suffering from protein deficiency will be tired, lethargic and irritable. It will prolong their molt and the newly molted feathers will look dull, lacking their trademark glossiness.

It is very important to feed your Eckie foods which are high in protein, such as:

• Cooked meat and chicken
• Boiled eggs (cooked right the way through)
• Almonds
• Pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas)
• Lentils and pulses
• Chia
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Sweet corn

Change in appetite

Molting affects our Eckies' appetites. Some kids become ravenous eating machines, while others become very fussy eaters, craving certain foods and rejecting others. Monitor your Eckie's appetite carefully when molting, and take note of specific foods they crave. Our feathered kids listen to their bodies, and will source foods that will help ease them through molting.

Moodiness

Molting can make the demurest of Eckies cranky and short tempered. Their body is working in overdrive to produce hundreds of pin feathers and many become irritable. Please, do not take this personally as many people have experienced this with their feathered kids.

My hen, Red, is terribly short tempered while molting. I know there is very little room for error and if I mis-read her body language, I will receive a nasty bite. As much as this hurts, I don't take this personally. I know that once she has finished molting, she will return to her sweet self.

Everyone copes with their Eckie's moods differently. Some ignore cranky behavior, leaving their kid alone until they are in a better frame of mind. Others distract their Eckie by offering a new toy or food treats.

Some Eckies become little sooks. They seek the love and comfort of their owner and demand cuddles and affection. This too is normal. Some of our hens seek extra cuddles while molting. Once they have molted their neediness reduces and their moods return to normal.

Aloe spritzes

Aloe spritzes help moisturize the skin, keeping it soft and supple. This allows the developing pinfeathers to break through the skin more easily. It is simple and cheap to make.

We buy 100% pure aloe gel from our local health food store. We then put 1 tablespoon of aloe into a spray bottle and fill it with a cup of warm water. Our kids love being misted by the warm, moisturizing water, and the aloe gives their feathers a spectacular sheen.

Some people choose to use a pre-mixed aloe drink. Please ensure there are no additives before using this.

Sleepy time kids

Molting takes its toll on our kids' small bodies. It takes a lot of energy to grow hundreds of feathers, and our Eckies become tired and lethargic. Your Eckie's sleep routine may change around molting time. Many will take long catnaps during the day. Others will want to go to bed earlier, or sleep in. They need this extra sleep; it helps the body recuperate, so when playtime rolls around, they are re-energized and ready for fun.

Lots of extra love

Molting is a stressful time for our feathered kids. They feel itchy and out of sorts. Some kids become despondent when they molt. They know they look scruffy and it really upsets them. They are such sensitive little souls.

As devoted Eckie parents, we want to do everything we can to help our kids through this difficult time. So let's give our molting kids an extra special treat to show them how much we care. It will make your Eckie feel very special.