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Why is my molting canary quiet, inactive, and bleeding from feathers?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | unneutered | 0.044 lbs

My Canary sunny seems to be molting and has stopped singing and being so active. Is this the right season for molting? Secondly I think he looks like he's bleeding on one of his wings where the feathers are coming out, now I am really worried that he is pulling out his own feathers and if so I don't know why!?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 22nd, 2017

Hi there. Sorry that Sunny is having this issue.

The normal annual molt occurs naturally during the last half of summer and continues into the fall. So, I would say this is the normal time of year to be molting.

He may have pulled out a feather due to normal preening or it could be an injury. Can't really tell from the photo. I would not be worried unless you see any bald spots.

Molting can be a taxing process. It is stressful for them so they do tend to stop signing and seem less active. That would be normal. To help ease the stress of molting I would recommend a vitamin supplement like this one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Molting-Conditioning-Supplement-for-Cockatiels/dp/B0082D247E

I hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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