IS MOLTING STRESSFUL FOR AN ECLECTUS?
Molting is a very stressful time for a parrot. In the wild, they would become more susceptible to predators due to their lessened ability to fly. THIS LACK OF SECURITY COULD CARRY OVER TO PET BIRDS TOO! Perhaps this is just an instinctual feeling but nonetheless, very real to your bird. It is good to minimize stress during molting and to allow for extra rest. Anything you can do to increase your bird’s feeling of security would be a plus. A smaller cage, or covering half of his regular cage so that he can feel hidden, might help him feel safe from predators, even if there are none. Good nutrition is especially important during molting. It takes a good diet to create all those new feathers. I always increase the protein offered during this time. Also, a molting parrot could use some grooming help about now, which also can strengthen your bond and his trust in you. If you help him remove the sheaths from the new feathers, you are performing one of the mutual grooming functions of a mate.
