Eclectus parrots can moult their small head & body feathers year round. Their larger wing & tail feathers are usually moulted around twice a year but this generally doesn’t start this until around the age of one year.
When going through heavy moults you can clearly see all the pin feathers when your bird is wet. It’s not uncommon for the feathers to be show different shades through a heavy moult as they’re older & duller feathers, newer feathers & grey down showing at the same time. Once all the new feathers have fully grown the birds shine & evenness of the colour comes back.
Moults can become a stressful & uncomfortable time for many birds. Some birds can experience loss of appetite if uncomfortable. Some birds can be very uncomfortable being handled when they’re moulting. Those that don't appear to have as an uncomfortable moult can have a much larger appetite. While Eclectus parrots generally should not eat high animal protein diets, when going through moults they do require larger amounts of egg, meat, seafood as well as cooked beans & rice, nuts, hemp seed & flax seed. These all provide protein & fats required to build strong healthy feathers.
Bathing is essential during moulting. It aids in the relief of itchy pin feathers breaking through the skin. Some Eclectus parrots go through such uncomfortable moults they end up plucking & regular daily bathing is a good preventative of plucking. A diluted aloe spray can also benefit in hydrating the feathers & skin when moulting.
It is recommended that birds going through heavy moults get adequate rest & sleep 10 to 12 hours per night.
Delayed moulting in captive birds is usually caused by low levels of light. To encourage an over due moult you can increase the level of lighting in your home. Full spectrum lighting, regular outdoor sunlight, moving the bird closer to a window, increase the heat in the home, daily bathing, reducing the birds stress will all encourage moulting. You can also increase the protein in their diet to encourage & start an over due moult.
Some causes of delay moulting are stress, malnutrition, infectious diseases & parasites.
‘Mojo Moult’ was named after the first noted Eclectus, Mojo had a heavy moult with face, head & neck balding. Most Eclectus parrots don’t experience this but some can & those that do, the amount of balding can vary individually. People who’re unaware of the Mojo Moult can panic when they suddenly see their Eclectus balding around the head & face & most of them fear it is mites, PBFD or follicle infection. There isn’t a lot that is understood about the Mojo Moult & it can go on for months. Some Eclectus Mojo Moults can be very extreme while others mild.
