Parakeets are beautiful, small birds that boast colorful appearances.
Their feathers can come in various colors, and owners should always find their own ways to maintain their beauty.
However, there are cases where your budgies are gradually losing their feathers.
Is this normal?
Should you be concerned?
Are there any ways to treat this?
Carry on reading to find out in this article!
Your lovely parakeet may be losing its feathers due to many possible reasons.
It can be because of molting, plucking, stress, nutrient deficiencies, or even parasitic infection.
In the case of molting, it is entirely normal for parakeets to shed their feathers at a particular time per year.
However, if the case is severe where you can already notice them going bald around their head, face, wings, and other parts of their body, it might be something more serious.
Figuring out the reason why they are suddenly losing feathers might be challenging, so it is important to consult an avian veterinarian for confirmation.
Is It Normal For a Budgie To Lose Feathers?
Losing feathers can be normal depending on the severity of the case.
After all, all parakeets go through a certain period of the year where their feathers gradually fall out and are replaced.
This entire season for budgies is called the molting period.
Molting happens yearly, and it is a cycle that can last for 2-3 weeks. It is not something to be concerned about, so don’t worry!
Be reminded, however, that molting parakeets will never have severe instances of losing feathers.
Your birds should not go bald in any parts of their body, otherwise, it might be something more pressing.
If your bird is experiencing baldness in its head, wings, or body, it might be because of stress, due to extreme plucking, or a symptom of an illness or infection.
Why Is My Budgie Losing Feathers Around The Head?
Is your budgie experiencing feathers fall out around its head?
Again, there are many possible reasons for that case.
To elaborate on them, here are a few possible reasons why your lovely bird is losing feathers.
1. Molting
If your parakeet only shows little feather fall outs and only to a gradual degree, then it is likely that your bird is molting.
This happens yearly and is entirely a part of their living.
In reality, your parakeet is not only losing its feathers, as it makes a way for its new feathers.
2. Viral infection
Losing feathers around the head may be a symptom of an infection.
Some certain bacteria and viruses may cause your pet to go bald in their head.
In particular, Circovirus that causes feather disease among birds can be the reason why your parakeet is losing feathers.
3. Plucking or over-grooming
Parakeets may pluck their feathers from time to time, especially when they are experiencing stress.
A budgie may pluck its own feathers, but mates or companions may also do it to them.
It is important that you separate them to prevent the issue as it can be more stressful for your lovely birds.
How Do You Treat Feather Loss In Budgies?
Feather loss can be really worrisome for budgie owners.
After all, feathers are really important for birds as it helps them regulate their body temperature, and assist them in their flights.
Luckily enough, you can still help your budgies grow their feathers back.
If your budgie is molting, it is important that you keep them in a room-temperature area as high temperature can cause stress and discomfort to your birdie.
Similarly, don’t expose your budgie in a cold area as they are more vulnerable to low temperature at this time.
However, nothing beats the advice of a veterinarian if your parakeet is losing its feathers.
Your bird might be given some treatments that can help regrow its feathers.
Keep your parakeet healthy by giving them highly-nutritious and well-balanced meals.
Giving your budgie a food containing essential nutrients would certainly help treat their feather loss.
How Do I Know If My Bird Is Molting Or Plucking?
Figuring out whether your bird is losing its feathers due to molting or plucking might be pretty challenging.
However, there are certain guides that you can use when observing your parakeet whenever it loses its feathers.
Molting
Your budgie is molting if the feathers are only gradually falling out and are being replaced by new feathers.
There are no bald spots in their body, instead they are covered with new feathers that are growing in.
Your bird also sheds its feathers symmetrically, whereas if your budgie molts in their left wing, they also molt in their right wing simultaneously.
Plucking
Your parakeet may pluck its own feathers if they are exposed to a stressful environment.
Other birds may also pluck or pull out your budgie’s feathers for the same reason.
To differentiate plucking from molting, your budgie mainly displays a stressed or abnormal behavior.
In addition, broken skin or injuries may also appear.
Plucking will also make the feathers look untidy and damaged.
Some may also appear bent, making your bird look quite messy and tattered.
Plucking may also lead to secondary infection or flaky skin, so you should also watch out for that.
Wrapping Up
Losing feathers among budgies can actually quite normal.
This happens when they are undergoing their molting season per year.
However, your parakeet might also lose their feathers due to infection, plucking, illnesses, and stress.
It is important to keep an eye on your budgie when the case is already looking severe.
At best, consult a veterinarian to help you treat the feather loss.
Feeding your budgie healthy meals will also encourage the feathers to regrow.
As an owner, remember that feathers are also important to keep your budgie healthy, happy, and comfortable.
