Understanding and Managing the Moulting Process in Gloster Canaries This delicate yet crucial topic “moulting” is a natural process which involves shedding of old feathers and growing new ones, playing a vital role in a canary’s health and well-being. For beginners, I’ll outline the four key stages of moulting and then share my personal approach to maintaining my Gloster Canaries during this period. The Four Stages of Moulting 1. The Pre-Moulting Stage A few weeks before feathers begin to fall, canaries may show signs of restlessness or behavioural changes. This phase, known as physiological preparation, sees the bird’s body redirecting nutrients and energy towards feather regeneration.
2. The Shedding Stage Over several weeks, feathers begin to fall, starting with the head and neck, followed by the body, wings and tail. This stage is often unpopular among fanciers due to the bird’s scruffy appearance and the excess feathers scattered around the bird room.
3. The Regrowth Stage After months of shedding, new pin feathers start emerging. These are encased in a keratin sheath, which eventually breaks off as the feather develops. Birds may appear unkempt during this stage, with reduces energy levels and decreased activity.
4. The Completion Stage At this final stage, feathers are fully grown and the canary regains its normal appearance and behaviour. Preening becomes more frequent as the bird removes any remaining keratin and conditions its new feathers.
Supporting Your Canaries Through Moulting Moulting can be stressful for birds, so proper nutrition and environmental adjustments are essential. This process is influenced by hormonal changes triggered by factors such as daylight length and temperature. Here’s how I manage my bird room during this period:
1. Adjusting Light Exposure To trigger moulting naturally, I gradually reduce the UV light in the bird room, bringing daylight hours below 12.
2. Providing Regular Baths Frequent bathing helps birds manage the discomfort of new feather growth and keeps their plumage in good condition.
3. Using Setrachol for Down Moult Stimulation Twice a week, I mix 10ml of Setrachol (a Travipharma product) into every litre of drinking water. This supplement supports feather regrowth and benefits birds of all ages. Fresh water is provided daily.
4. Maintaining a Nutrient-Rich Diet A diet rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals is essential for feather growth.
For young birds, I switch from Classic CéDé egg food to CéDé Morbido egg paste, which provides high-grade proteins, vitamins and amino acids in a convenient form.
For older birds, particularly hens, I continue with Classic CéDé soft food and supplement their water with 1ml of Calciferol per litre once a week to replenish calcium levels post-breeding.
Why Moulting Happens Moulting is essential for maintaining feather health, adapting to seasonal changes and ensuring longevity. Key reasons include:
Feather Maintenance: Replacing worn out feathers and removing parasites.
Seasonal Adaptation: Enhancing insulation and preparing for new weather conditions.
Physical Health: Supporting flight ability and overall well-being through regular feather replacement.
Final Thoughts
Moulting is a demanding, yet natural process and with the right care, canaries will emerge with vibrant, healthy feathers. By adjusting their environment and providing the best nutrition, we can ensure that our birds will experience a smooth and successful moult.
