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Why do birds lose their feathers? Here’s when to worry

What you need to know about birds losing their feathers

One day, your bird’s beautiful plumage looks shiny and pristine, and the next day, their feathers are piling up at the bottom of the cage. It can be very alarming to see your pet suddenly losing their feathers. Don’t panic, though. There are plenty of normal reasons this can occur and you should look into those first.

But dropping feathers can also indicate stress, disease, or other issues, so a call to the vet may become necessary. So why do birds lose their feathers? We’ll use the process of elimination to determine the most likely cause.

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Is it normal for birds to lose feathers?

Yes, in fact, many birds go through a molt at least once or twice per year (and sometimes even more frequently). On top of that, it’s normal to find the occasional feather lying around. After all, you wouldn’t be surprised to find your dog shedding or your own hair in the shower drain. Much the same way, birds lose their version of hair now and then, especially as feathers get old or break.

However, unlike you and me, avians often drop many feathers all at once. This is to make sure their plumage stays in top shape in the wild, so you will often see birds complete the process right before migrating. In your home, birdie doesn’t have to worry about this so much, but may still go through a molt every so often to replenish their feathers. 

Parrot flies in front of trees in the wild

Why do birds suddenly lose feathers?

If it isn’t part of a normal molt, you’ll have to investigate a few other factors that could bring about a sudden loss of feathers, which could include both physical and emotional issues. Look carefully to see if your bird is pulling at their feathers or if the feathers seem to be falling out on their own. It seems like the difference shouldn’t mean anything, but it can help you to pinpoint the exact source.

While pulling usually stems from a behavior problem, don’t rule something else out. Mites, for example, cause itching and lead to birds grabbing at their feathers even if nothing else is going on. Feathers coming out by themselves can be caused by bacteria and viruses, many of which are very serious. It could also be from something more severe, like a kidney problem. 

Parakeet picks at their feathers

Can birds lose feathers from stress?

The short answer is definitely. Birds will pull out a substantial portion of their plumage if something really bothers them. However, it could wind up being something really mundane, like a change in your routine, a new pet or baby entering the household, or a shake-up in the environment. Loneliness or boredom can also induce feather plucking, so be sure to keep your bird engaged and happy so that they leave their feathers alone.

Boy looks at pet bird coming out of cage

How do you treat feather loss?

If it’s a yearly molt and everything else looks OK, you don’t really have to do anything. Your bird will work the feathers through on their own, though your pet may need a little assistance with itchy skin. You should also consider providing a little extra protein — it takes a lot of energy and nutrients to replace all those feathers. 

Otherwise, you’ll want to dive deep into the underlying problem and figure out how to fix it. That might mean taking care of whatever has caused the stress or helping assuage a condition. This is when a call to your veterinarian is essential, as they will be able to help you to solve the problem. Some treatments will involve antibiotics or other medicines (topical or oral) that can rid your feathered friend of bacteria that could be causing the feathers to fall. 

Woman smiles at her pet bird perched on her finger

Keep an eye on your bird

Anytime your bird starts to lose excessive feathers and you can’t be certain she’s molting, you should check in with your bird doc. They may choose to do a physical examination of the skin and feathers or may check for underlying conditions by taking blood. You can keep an eye on other signs of their health, such as food intake (and waste), eye brightness, and mood. Monitoring all these things will lead you to the root of the problem (and hopefully a solution) quickly.

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Why is my hamster shaking? When pet parents should be worried
Here are the reasons why your hamster might be shaking and this is what you should do about it
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It's certainly a terrifying sight to find your hamster shaking. Just as it would sound the alarm if a human were shivering uncontrollably, so, too, should you leap into action with your pet. However, it can be tricky to nail down the exact cause, and a trip to the vet won't hurt if you don't spot an immediate explanation. While illness does lead to the shakes at times, you'll want to look into a few more of the mundane triggers first to rule that out. When you wonder, "Why is my hamster shaking?" look at these options to determine the issue.

Why is my hamster sitting still and shaking?
No one reason applies in every case, so you need to do a bit of detective work. We'll start with the most common reasons — which are also the least scary.
He's frightened
Lots of times when hamsters shake, it's from fear. Things that don't look (or smell) scary to you could set your hamster off with seemingly no notice. Try to perceive the world through the eyes of a small pet to figure out what's troubling him. For example, a dog or cat scent could send him into panic mode even as you struggle to perceive it. Those are his predators! Remove the offending object or beastie and see if he returns to normal.
He went into hibernation
If you can cross fear off the list, think next to the temperature of the room. In the wild, hamsters hibernate, and they'll immediately slip into that mode when it gets too chilly. You most likely don't want your hamster to go down for a long sleep, and it probably isn't safe for him to remain inactive. Maintain a consistent temperature in the room and include a thermometer in or right next to the cage. Select a good area of the house as well that doesn't have too many drafts and isn't too close to a radiator. If you do walk into a freezing room and find your little guy zoned out, return the temp to normal (slowly) to spark him out of his hibernation. There will almost certainly be some shaking during this process, but it's not a concern. Once he gets back to normal, it'll stop. If it doesn't, that means something else is going on. 
It's a medical condition
Hamsters get colds — sometimes lots of them. Examine his physical symptoms aside from the shaking to check for the sniffles. Seriously, he might sneeze and cough and get a runny nose just like you would. While hamster sniffles are a bit cute, the little guys can actually die from colds or other infections. Don't just check his sweet face, though; you also want to monitor his backside and spot diarrhea or other stomach problems quickly (especially wet tail, which kills hamsters in less than 48 hours). The shaking could stem from diabetes, nervous system disorders, or stroke. Pay close attention to all the symptoms as a whole to narrow it down.

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Many have yearned for an ugly adorable duckling to call their own, but don't dive into this journey without some planning first. Under the right circumstances, ducks make great pets — they're cuddly, they're very intelligent, and they're social. These birds specifically love to be part of a group, sometimes called a raft, and will bond with both you and one another. As with many pets though, owning a duck comes with a list of good (and not-so-good) things to consider before you gather your flock.

Are ducks good pets? Here's what you need to know
As with all pets, it depends on what you're looking for. Be mindful of their need for space, water, outdoors, companionship, and protection. Ducks are not for everyone but will add a spunky sense of fun to the right home. Think about these eight things before getting ducks.
They live outdoors
Rule number one: Your pet duckling must live outside. They just can't be happy in any type of fully indoor enclosure, though you will want to provide some respite from the elements. Only dabble with ducks if you can secure sufficient outdoor space for them — free from predators, including dogs and cats who might mistake your cute and snuggly pet for a meal.
They need a house with a pool
Many folks keep their pet ducks in a shed or doghouse to provide a perfect cozy spot for them. Include a comfy straw bed and protection from wind. Of course, ducks need a pool for swimming, too. A pond or kiddie pool will do well, depending on how big your flock is. Ducklings can't fly, so you don't have to worry about them escaping, but they won't thrive unless they have ample space. Fencing around your yard will help keep pets in and predators out.

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Try out these 6 different kinds of best bird feeders to attract your feathered friends
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Bird feeders come in multiple shapes and sizes because birds do, too. Each feeder accommodates a different feeding style, and many are enticing to a particular species. Before setting up your feeders, think first about what kinds of flyers you want to attract — and which ones are likely to oblige. Then, once you have a good bird-watching list, scout out the right locations and the best feeders to attract them. You can put out all these for the widest array of visitors or focus on a few types and get the best setup for just those eaters. Here are the six best bird feeders and what feathered friends you'll probably see feeding at them.

What are the different types of bird feeders?
You probably have a bunch of different dishes in your home — plates, bowls, maybe a gravy boat. Our avian guests have the same needs. After all, some birds eat seeds, some animal fat, some flowers, and some nectar. Take a look through these top types and figure out which one — or ones — belong in your yard.
Hummingbird feeders
Putting up a hummingbird feeder all but ensures you'll add a splash of color to your life. This one will bring in gorgeous birds and look nice in the window. Of course, the drawback is that you need to clean it often by hand. Don't worry: A little soap and water will do the trick, and its glass construction means it will last a long time. Feeding hummingbirds saves your wallet, too, since you can make all the food yourself. Boil 1 part sugar and 4 parts water to create this concoction and refrigerate any left over right away. It'll take your neighborhood birds a minute to find their new restaurant, but once they've discovered it (and given a rave review to their friends), you'll never run out of visitors, provided you keep the food flowing. 
Hopper feeders
This is a classic bird feeder that adorns nearly every yard at one time or another. You'll get large birds — and probably large squirrels — as regulars at this one. Try hanging it from a strategic spot or mounting it on a pole to avoid squirrels, but that might be a losing battle. Instead, focus on attracting the birds you do like with the proper seed for them (don't forget to keep it full). We suspect you'll spot a menagerie here, especially jays and cardinals since it's welcoming to bigger animals. Unlike the hummingbird feeder, you won't bring this one indoors often, and should make sure it's reachable by hose or bucket for proper cleaning. 
Tube feeders
The smaller birds of the community will thank you for this tube feeder, as the little perches and openings go well with tiny feet and beaks. Watch for a mix of sparrows, chickadees, and titmice who enjoy having a spot of their own, and look at purchasing a blend that encourages them. However, a small feeder means you have to fill it regularly. It might take a few weeks, but you should get an idea of how often the birds start begging for a refill. Finding a spot can prove tricky because you never know when the guests of honor will alight on the other side. Place it between windows to best see every angle. 

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