Is moulting painful for birds?

Moulting isn't usually painful, but it can be quite uncomfortable. New feathers, known as pin feathers, are sensitive because they have a rich blood supply while growing. You might notice your bird is a bit more irritable than usual during this time, so it is best to be gentle when handling them.

How often do birds moult?

Most birds will undergo a full moult once or twice a year, typically timed with the change of seasons in late spring or early summer. This ensures their feathers stay in peak condition for insulation and flight. The entire process usually takes about four to six weeks.

Why does my bird have bald spots?

A healthy moult should never result in completely bald patches. If you can see bare skin, it may indicate a health issue such as psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), skin parasites, or a behavioural issue like feather picking. If bald spots appear, a veterinary consultation is recommended.

What should I feed my bird during a moult?

Feathers are made of protein (keratin), so growing new ones requires a lot of energy. Ensuring your bird is on a high-quality, balanced pellet diet rather than seeds is essential. You can also offer fruit and vegetables, and also specific moulting supplements if needed to provide the extra amino acids and vitamins they need.

Last Updated: 30/04/2026

Is My Bird Moulting or Sick? A Guide to Normal Feather Loss

Discover how to identify a healthy moult versus signs of illness or stress, and learn the best ways to support your feathered friend's health during their natural feather cycle.

Author: Dr Emilee Lay BVSc BSc (Vet) Hons

Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read

It can be quite distressing when your bird starts to lose their feathers. While many owners immediately worry about parasites or stress-driven plucking, it is often due to a regular moult. Understanding the difference regarding bird moulting vs plucking is essential, as a normal moult should be a gradual process that does not result in large bald spots.

What is a normal moult?

Birds undergo a moult to replace old feathers with new ones. This is a gradual process that usually occurs once to twice a year, often in late spring or early summer following the breeding season. A normal moult can take between 4 to 6 weeks to complete.

As birds replace old feathers, you will notice new growth. But what are pin feathers? These are new feathers growing through the skin that appear as tiny, waxy pins. During this growth period, larger feathers associated with the wings and tails may have a large blood supply to the shaft; these are known as blood feathers in birds. Once the feather is fully mature, this blood supply reduces.

Key signs of a healthy moult include:

Pin feathers: New feathers appearing as tiny, waxy pins.
Blood feathers: Large feathers in the wings or tail that have a visible blood supply in the shaft while growing.
No bald spots: Because the process is gradual, a healthy bird should not have large, bare patches of skin.

For more information about what's normal, read through our guide to Understanding Bird Feathers.

How to support your bird through a moult

High quality diet with adequate protein: suppplement pellets with fruit and vegetables
Assist with new feather care: by providing a bird bath or gently misting with water in a spray bottle
Consider moulting supplements if your bird is struggling

For more information on the best diet for your bird, read through What Should Birds Eat? and our Beginners Guide to Bird Care.

When to See a Vet

Moulting requires significant energy and can trigger hormonal changes, making birds more susceptible to disease. If you notice any of the following, a veterinary check is necessary:

Discoloured feathers
Excessive pin feathers
Large bald spots: this may indicate a health issue such as psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), skin parasites, or a behavioural issue like feather picking.

It is vital to have a professional physical examination before trialing at-home treatments. Unlike cats or dogs, birds hide signs of illness until they are very unwell. Delays in diagnosis can lead to permanent feather loss or even death. Ensure your bird is on a balanced diet to provide the nutrients needed to grow healthy new plumage.

Moulting FAQs

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History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Thu 30 Apr 2026

Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

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About the Author

Dr Emilee Lay BVSc BSc (Vet) Hons

Veterinarian

Dr. Emilee graduated from the University of Sydney in 2018 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Studies) and as a student worked for a number of years as a small animals and exotics nurse in clinics across Sydney. She is currently a practicing small animal and exotic vet along the Coast. Emilee holds a special passion for avian and exotic medicine (bunnies being her favourite patients), as well as animal behavioural medicine!