Budgie moult question... | Budgerigars Forum

Eyulf
Brand New Budgie

Posts: 27

Budgie moult question... Jul 10, 2022 4:08:38 GMT

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Post by Eyulf on Jul 10, 2022 4:08:38 GMT

Sorry if I've put this in the wrong section.

Any budgies I've had have gone through their first moult at 3 months old, and I've read the budgies can go through their first moult at 3 months old or sometimes later.

Teal is about 4 months old now and is showing no signs of moulting, granted it is right in the middle of winter here and despite being in the tropical north of Australia there's a bit of a cold snap.

So will budgies put off their moult if the weather is cold?
Has anyone noticed similar of any of their budgies?

Because Teal is still sporting a slightly stumpy tail as he lost near half of the long feathers when he bailed the nest box and they either snapped or were bitten. He's also got a small bald patch above his cere on the left and feathers sticking up on top of his head from bites.
I don't want him to lose the feathers on his head sticking up, he's like Alfalfa from the Little Rascals. 😄

Hezz
Staff Member

Posts: 34,086

Budgie moult question... Jul 10, 2022 7:55:46 GMT

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Post by Hezz on Jul 10, 2022 7:55:46 GMT

A lot will depend on how fit and healthy the bird is itself, I’ve not found the weather to play much part except for extreme heat. They will often do small moults when the weather has turned hot. I have, however had a budgie not moult for a couple of years due to previous ill health and only once she was back up to her normal did she go through a moult. They wouldn’t lose feathers unless they have the capability to replace them, so this is possibly what you are seeing. The added element of the cold may also being playing its part, in this case. Just where in the tropics do you live?

We are not Vets, Avian or otherwise. If you have any serious doubts about your budgies' health an appointment with an Avian vet should always be your first point of call.

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Eyulf
Brand New Budgie

Posts: 27

Budgie moult question... Jul 10, 2022 10:44:30 GMT

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Post by Eyulf on Jul 10, 2022 10:44:30 GMT

It could be to do with Teals rough start. He was one of 8 chicks. So he might not have got what he needed from his Mother, I recall once I had him and he got used to the formula, he was a good eater and still is.

I'm in north Queensland. There was a couple of heat waves, and then a couple of cold snaps. The days are around 20C though the wind can be cold, so I keep the window closed, the nights are cold 12C and under. The room may have the best view but it's not seasonal it's shaded in winter and sunny in the summer.