When I saw a feather land on the ground yesterday, it made me think about all of the reasons why cockatiel losing feathers on head. Cockatiels are especially known for their brightly colored and patterned feathers, so when they start to lose them, it can be worrying for owners who don’t know why. Since cockatiels are usually household pets and companions, figuring out the reason behind feather loss is even more important. So why is your cockatiel losing its feathers?
Main reason of cockatiel losing feathers on head
To address the issue, a cockatiel’s feathers can fall out for a variety of reasons, including molt, stress, plucking (plucking), excessive preening, weather conditions, or diseases. Feather loss may be caused by a variety of factors; determining whether these feathers are normal or not is crucial.
What is molting?
The molt is the process of old feathers being shed in order to create new ones. It’s possible that your cockatiel’s shed feathers because of poor feather condition or they are not as clean and neat because of this. Cockatiel loses feathers is similar to how dogs remove their winter and summer coats, or how humans shed their hair. Feathers fall is entirely natural occurrence. Since your cockatiel has difficulty expending extra energy in order to shed its feathers, they will want all the help you can give.
How often do cockatiels molt?
Cockatiels molt between the ages of 6 and 12 months and cockatiel losing feathers on head is visible. Cockatiels can usually molster all year, although significant molting may happen up to two to three times a year. When a cockatiel tail feathers sheds a substantial number of feathers bird loses, particularly from its tail and wings, it is known as heavy molting.
Cockatiels’ new down feathers grow in as their old ones fall out, and they are known as blood feathers at first. Blood feathers are the start of fresh feather development since every feather is connected to blood vessels to provide nutrition during the early phases. It’s critical to monitor your cockatiel’s blood feathers if they break beneath the skin because they will be visible through its pink undercoat.
What should you be aware of during molting periods?
The process of molting, cockatiel losing feathers on head, or shedding their feathers, can be uncomfortable for cockatiels. They have small chicken-like bodies beneath their feathers, and when new feathers start to grow it can cause them some annoyance. This may explain why you see a change in your cockatiel’s behavior during periods of molting. Cockatiels may become more defensive and prefer to be alone during this time.
Other reasons cockatiel losing feathers on head
A cockatiel’s feathers may fall and cockatiel losing feathers on head for a variety of reasons. The distinction between natural molting and feather loss that is unnatural is crucial.
One reason is feather plucking
Cockatiels may be physically or psychologically unhealthy, and feather plucking or excessive preening might be a symptom of a physical or mental problem. It might also indicate an illness or allergy, particularly a skin infection. Cockatiels’ naturally itchy skin usually produces itching beneath the wing during viral infections and sometimes lead to cockatiel losing feathers on head.
Your avian vet will probably want to run some tests, even if you think it’s only psychological. In the wild, cockatiels normally travel in groups and enjoy each other’s company. If they don’t have any companions or their environment changes drastically, it could lead to higher stress levels.
Stress is another reason
Birds that are emotionally distressed can also exhibit physical changes. Anxious, worried birds that pluck and self-mutilate might damage their hair follicles, preventing new feathers from growing and cockatiel losing feathers on head and leaving scars.
Cockatiel plucking or over preening their feathers can be caused by stress, however its reasons are diverse. It might be due to boredom, anxiety, or loneliness (amongst other things) for some individuals, and if that’s the case your cockatiel just wants some quality time with you or something to keep it occupied. Your cockatiel’s surroundings have an impact on how it interacts with itself.
Reaction to the environment is one factor
In response to the circumstances around them, some cockatiels may begin to lose head feathers or preening. If the heating is on full blast, for example, the cockatiel will be affected by it. It may try to regulate its body heat by plucking in order to stay cool. Many cockatiels and pet birds in general can lose feathers but benefit from feather loss since it helps maintain their body temperature. The reaction of your cockatiel to its surrounding conditions can be an important clue as to why your pet is losing feathers.
Cockatiel losing feathers on head- Bottom LIne
It might be tough to tell the difference between plucking and molting in the beginning. It’s all about watching your cockatiel. The signs may manifest themselves in your cockatiel’s behavior as well as cockatiel losing feathers on head.
If your cockatiel is molting or plucking, you should ask these questions. Your cockatiel shouldn’t lose an excessive amount of feathers at once during a molt.
Cockatiels lose their feathers for many reasons. Most of the time, it is normal for a cockatiel to molt and shed its feathers during different times throughout the year.
Molt, or feather loss, is not an uncommon occurrence in cockatiels. However, if your cockatiel seems to be losing too much of its feathers and exhibits other symptoms such as lethargy or lack of appetite, you should seek help immediately.
