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Topic: My dove's first molt |
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Hi, My dove started to loose a lot of feathers, much more than normal. When the skin on his head and neck started to show I became concerned. The local bird maven told me he is just molting. I know this is normal for birds, like a dog shedding his winter coat. My question is: how long before it all grows in again? Right now I can't use him in a show because people might think I am not taking proper care of him. He does not look attractive this way. Thanks, Bruce |
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Bruce, they start growing new feathers right away, it should only take about a week to make it passable, two to be fully feathered. |
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As always Dave is right. My birds tend to molt and then are fine again in about a week or so. I really notice it too cos I have 9 all in all, so there is many feathers all over the place. |
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Oh yeah, feathers galore. My wife is stuffing a quilt. :) Dave, thanks again for your help with the dove. I am still trying to get my wife to let me get another one. Will I see you at Magic Funday on the 8th? B |
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Bruce, I'll be there. |
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Update on my doves first molt: By last the middle of last week he started to look presentable again. Now it's been about two weeks and he looks fine. Actually a little better than he did before. Must be all thos new feathers. Thanks to all for your comments & advice, both on the Café and thru PMs. See you at Funday this weekend. B |
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This molt is normal and somewhat predictable as temperatures change and the length of daylight changes. It is not something that should alarm dove owners. It will add to "clean up" for several days. But your doves will be as pretty as ever in a few days. Mine enjoy getting in some time in the sun at the end of this period. Perhaps they are just natural show-offs! For some reason, doves are always at their appearance best during the Halloween show season. The rest of us hide behind masks! Enjoy! Bob Sanders Magic By Sander PS --- The protein needs of your birds may be high now. |
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I woke up yesterday and there were small white feathers all over the carpet in front of the cage. I must admit, that looked quite scary. This morning there were even more feathers all over the carpet. If this is molting, it's something my cockatiel hasn't done in the past 9 months. Is there anything special that should be done/give during this molting stage? |
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While were on th subject, heres something I've been meaning to ask, but never got around to it: How many times a year do doves usually molt? Are there specific months they will molt in or times of the year? Thanks -Vinnie |
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This is all I can help you with Vinnie: http://www.internationaldovesociety.com/Articles/AgeDetermination.htm Sorry I know no more. |
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When birds are mass moulting, they should be given extra vitamins and more calcium such as eggs and egg shells. Birds moult everyday but they do a mass moult either once or twice a year, usually when the lighting changes such as summer to winter or winter to summer daylight. A moult can last for several weeks. |
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My bird plucked all the feathers off her neck. Do you know why she could have done that. They aren't growing back at all. Is it time to get a new dove? Best Brandon |
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Brandon, is she by herself? Sometimes they peck themselves out of frustration. Not to worry you, but did you check for mites and fleas? Look under the wings near the body. They will grow back but it will take a little time. |
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Dove won't eat it's egg or egg shells. Suggestions? |
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Karol, your dove shouldn't eat it's own egg, or do you mean it just won't eat eggs? That's not unusual. Not all doves are the same. Most will eat hard boiled eggs. The egg shells should be ground up very small and offered as grit. They'll eat them when they want. |
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Yes she is by herself. The vet said no mites or ticks so I think she may just be lonely. Best Brandon |
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Could be a vitamin deficiency too. |
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@Dave Sorry, not it's own egg, a hard-boiled egg :) |