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Why is my bird losing so many feathers? Is it a health concern?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatiel | Male | 0.5 lbs

My bird is cocktail and is shredding so many feathers. Is it something to concern about ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on May 1st, 2019

If Bobo is otherwise happy and healthy, he could just be molting. This is a normal thing that happens when your bird sheds their old feathers and replaces them with new ones. You will likely see "pin" feathers, or feathers that look like little pins sticking out of the skin in the places where old feathers were lost if this is the case. If, however, Bobo is itching, there is redness, new feathers aren't growing in, or he seems ill or upset, it could indicate something else such as parasites, skin issues, etc, that should be checked out by a vet.

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