Why is my bird lethargic, not eating, and molting at 1 year old?

Baby birds can lose feathers in what looks like a molt as their adult feathers come in. If she is molting, you will see new feathers, called pin feathers, sticking out of the skin (they look like little needles). If she is otherwise healthy and active and on a balanced diet I wouldn't be too concerned, however you did mention she is a bit lethargic. If she is losing feathers and isn't growing in new ones, and remains lethargic or begins to decrease her eating/drinking habits, have changes in stool, etc, then seeking out an exam in person is best to rule out any issues such as parasites, illness, nutrient issues, etc that could be causing her symptoms. Keeping her eating and drinking, warm, and away from any other birds that may pick on her if she is ill can also help until you can get to a vet.

This definitely sounds like something other than molting, especially if he's very lethargic or showing other signs of illness. I would bring him into your vet for a complete exam and even possible bloodwork to rule out issues such as parasites, infections, illnesses or even nutritional deficiencies that may be causing it. Making sure to keep him warm with easy access to a balanced diet and water may help some until you can be seen by your vet.

If he is not picking out his feathers, he is likely molting: Molt is a very strenuous time for a bird as almost all its energy is used to making new feathers. It takes seven to ten days for a feather to begin to emerge after one was shed and then this new feather takes up to 8 weeks to fully develop. During molting your bird will be cranky, nap more often and it is especially necessary at this time to feed them a very healthy diet and keep a close eye on them as they will be using lots of their nutrients to grow and replace the feathers. Feed lots of greens such as kale (extra calcium) and you can feed mashed up hard-boiled egg and also offer some boiled chicken. Both of these are high sources of protein for making new feathers.

If she is molting, this can be very stressful on the body which could show up as not feeling well or the diarrhea, however if the problem persists for more than a day or so, worsens, or she seems to be acting differently than her molt last year, a vet checkup is best to rule out any other issues such as parasites, infections, etc, that could be causing the change.

Thanks for reaching out about Loki. Regurgitation can have a long list of causes including stress, metabolic disorders, hormones, infections, toxicities and ingested foreign bodies, to list a few. What is slightly worrisome is the lethargy and sleepiness. Molting can also be a result of illness, and this is not the typical season for molting. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan and also to review diet and husbandry. Good luck.

Unfortunately, without an exam it would be hard to say. If she just molted and is doing so again, I would be concerned that her nutritional needs still aren't fully addressed, she needs some more lighting, or that there is another issue such as stress feather picking, skin issues, or parasites causing the feathers to fall out. A recheck with your vet can help rule out further nutritional issues and any skin problems/illnesses while adding in some lighting and enrichment such as toys to chew on, etc may help improve her feathering.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi. A damage flight feather should not alter flight significantly, as they can fly when they molt. Lethargy and sleeping during the day (to conserve energy) are clinical signs of being sick, the question is why. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some support. Monitor fecal production by a total cage clean-out. Sick birds often act like they're eating but aren't. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Multiple possibilities include ingestion of foreign material (metal, fabric, wood, etc.), metabolic concerns (liver, renal), infections (viral, bacterial) and others. Good luck.