How long does the summer molt last?
A- Seasonally each bird, whether young fledglings or parents, go through a feather replacement routine called “molt”. This lasts for several weeks, usually from mid summer to as late as early fall, depending on the birds conditioning and of course hours of light in the room. This is brought on by long daylight hours naturally, so can be hastened by controlling light exposure artificially. However, since it is a natural process which does drain strength from the bird, some contend that it is best if each bird goes through this process slowly and completely. After new feathers have grown in, the bird becomes stronger again in preparation for the coming breeding season. I like to give our birds cucumbers during this moulting.
