Why are my pigeons molting now?

The main molt is meant to take place between July and December, isn't it?
Why is it that the three male pigeons are molting now, especially the two who've been here since the end of summer? Is it the ambient temperature?

Teresa wrote:

The main molt is meant to take place between July and December, isn't it?
Why is it that the three male pigeons are molting now, especially the two who've been here since the end of summer?
Is it the ambient temperature?

Very well could be, Teresa. Or at least one of the reasons.
I know my guys seem to molt at odd times.

It's also interesting that Rae Charles, our common feral checker doesn't molt much at all, whereas the others (being all, or mostly, white) molt like there's no tomorrow.

All of our pigeons started moulting a month ago... so did the dogs. :Yes: Thats how I knew spring was coming.

I think its just the start little by little and then, what I call, the pigeons just explode!!!
(Not the actual pigeon )
One day theres a few feathers then the next day when I open the lofts it seems as though I'm knee high in feathers!!!!

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

All of our pigeons started moulting a month ago... so did the dogs. :Yes: Thats how I knew spring was coming.

* I think its just the start little by little and then, what I call, the pigeons just explode!!!
(Not the actual pigeon )

** One day theres a few feathers then the next day when I open the lofts it seems as though I'm knee high in feathers!!!!

* Yes!! An explosion of 'old' feathers.

** I can relate to that. :Yes: :That\\\'s so f

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

All of our pigeons started moulting a month ago... so did the dogs. :Yes: Thats how I knew spring was coming.

I think its just the start little by little and then, what I call, the pigeons just explode!!!
(Not the actual pigeon ) One day theres a few feathers then the next day when I open the lofts it seems as though I'm knee high in feathers!!!!

Thank you, Cindy and Robin! Now I know that doesn't mean that something is wrong.

I think 'feather explosion' is a good definition for what Sammy's going through: for a couple of days there the back of his neck was quite bald! And Hercules seems to have a porcupine face. I hope that those quills become feathers.

Nope! I don't think anything is wrong.

Teresa wrote:

Thank you, Cindy and Robin! Now I know that doesn't mean that something is wrong.

I think 'feather explosion' is a good definition for what Sammy's going through: for a couple of days there the back of his neck was quite bald! And Hercules seems to have a porcupine face. I hope that those quills become feathers.

Your very welcome Teresa Just give it time and the quills will open to become beautiful new feathers :Yes:

When the new feathers are growing in they can be very itchy so I always offer our adult pigeons a bath every day & if they haven't another pij to help them groom the feathers in the hard to reach places we try to help.

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

Teresa wrote:

Thank you, Cindy and Robin! Now I know that doesn't mean that something is wrong.

I think 'feather explosion' is a good definition for what Sammy's going through: for a couple of days there the back of his neck was quite bald! And Hercules seems to have a porcupine face. I hope that those quills become feathers.

Your very welcome Teresa Just give it time and the quills will open to become beautiful new feathers :Yes:

When the new feathers are growing in they can be very itchy so I always offer our adult pigeons a bath every day & if they haven't another pij to help them groom the feathers in the hard to reach places we try to help.

Considering that no pigeon is brave enough to help Hercules groom his feathers :eek: :eek: , I suppose I'll have to run the gauntlet of his fearsome beak! What should I do? Would brushing with a soft toothbrush be okay?

I can't recall what it was, but Jenn used something to help Crash with his preening.
Hopefully she will see this thread and have a couple suggestions.

Whatever you use, you will definitely have to proceed with caution. :That\\\'s so f
Hercules, we love ya big guy. Even though you are a little fiesty.

Fancyfeathers wrote:

I can't recall what it was, but Jenn used something to help Crash with his preening.
Hopefully she will see this thread and have a couple suggestions.Whatever you use, you will definitely have to proceed with caution. :That\\\'s so f
Hercules, we love ya big guy. Even though you are a little fiesty.

I saw it! :Yes: Yay~go me!

Well I tried a fine comb, a toothbrush, a flea comb, a bird feeder scrubbie...some others that I am now forgetting. I finally just literally gave up!

Nothing seemed to work except my fingers. :Rolling eyes: it is a daily thing as Crash would only put up with my poor grooming manners for a short time each day... but once they were off.. they never came back in quite as thick. . I would very very gently scrape at the feather shafts with my finger nails....you have to be careful.. because even very little pressure can create a bleeding feather. I also gave Crash many many baths with a tablespoon of 20 mule Borax, which helped ((it seemed)) to loosen the feather shafts and then they were eaiser to get off.

She now is able to preene herself. and even with 1/2 a beak that has no point at all.. she does a GREAT job!

Yay~~ Go you!
Thank you so much, Jenn, that was really helpful!

Teresa wrote:

Yay~~ Go you!

Thank you so much, Jenn, that was really helpful!

That's right.

Jenn.