Understanding the moult.

[Diamond Dave]

So Ive said on here that I have never really paid much attention to the moult. But this year I have realised how significant it is in affecting the timing of things.
I have always thought that the general procedure was for a bird to moult all its body feathers before its wing feathers and head n neck.
But Ive gone in my loft this morning and found loads of body feathers (noticably) in their boxes.
I know that it is influenced by the weather and wondered if this warm spell is making them start the cycle again.....

[king]

So Ive said on here that I have never really paid much attention to the moult. But this year I have realised how significant it is in affecting the timing of things.
I have always thought that the general procedure was for a bird to moult all its body feathers before its wing feathers and head n neck.
But Ive gone in my loft this morning and found loads of body feathers (noticably) in their boxes.
I know that it is influenced by the weather and wondered if this warm spell is making them start the cycle again.....

Dave. Pigeons shed small body and down feathers ALL year round, down and body feathers shed in higher amounts during warm weather shifts, or when the bird reaches top physical condition. They aren't starting the moulting cycle again.

[Wiley]

Dave, birds aren't starting cycle again, cos I work between two lofts my own stock shed and a pals racing loft, 2 weeks ago I could see the moult slowing down, then one day last week more body feathers came out, the exact happened in the other loft of my pals, and my dad's when I spoke to him also. Goes through waves.

They not starting the cycle again

[Diamond Dave]

Thank you gents.
Just something you mentioned King got me thinking can you use the moult as indication for any sort of form thro out the season....

[king]

Thank you gents.
Just something you mentioned King got me thinking can you use the moult as indication for any sort of form thro out the season....

Yes Dave birds in top form will have small round droppings and down feathers on them. Although they can be also in form without dropping down feathers, but the down feathers is a good indication of form.

[Diamond Dave]

Brilliant thanks King.

[Tony-P-]

on average how long is the moult for the birds

My birds have been going through it but are now starting to look ok again

Is there anything I should be giving the birds extra in the water or on the corn ect.....

[Andy]

As far as I’m concerned nothing extra is added to anything. It’s a very natural thing for them and if they can’t have a good moult without any assistance they aren’t worth keeping.
They start dropping flight feathers around May, June time and as King says the down feathers are shed throughout the year. Of course by using the darkness system youngsters can be false into a body moult early in the year. But if left most natural birds will go into a heavy moult during September/October. After which they should have nearly finished the wing moult and looking good.

[Murray]

As far as I’m concerned nothing extra is added to anything. It’s a very natural thing for them and if they can’t have a good moult without any assistance they aren’t worth keeping.
They start dropping flight feathers around May, June time and as King says the down feathers are shed throughout the year. Of course by using the darkness system youngsters can be false into a body moult early in the year. But if left most natural birds will go into a heavy moult during September/October. After which they should have nearly finished the wing moult and looking good.

True that.
The promotion of mixtures and tonics to help them through the moult is the domain of those who are more interested in the fast buck than the fast pigeon.

[Tony-P-]

thanks for that fellas