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My cockatiel is losing blood feathers. Is it normal during first molt?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatiel | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 18 days old | 0.8 lbs

I just got my almost 5 month old cockatiel boy on Christmas and His wings were clipped poorly before he arrived and I think four of his wing blood feathers have fallen out. He doesn’t seem to be affected by them since they were pulled out right. My only concern is: will his blood feathers stop coming out now? Is it normal for his wing blood feathers to come out once during his first molt? Will they grow normally now?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 21st, 2018

As long as none of the feathers are broken or bleeding it should be fine. Birds do molt and will lose old feathers and regrow them over time as long as they are provided with proper nutrition. If he's a young bird, he's likely still losing his baby feathers while newer adult feathers grow in in its place, and most cockatiels are not fully feathered until they are 6-8 months of age.

If you notice any broken feathers, or active bleeding, then it is best to remove the broken feather and stop bleeding, or seek veterinary care to make sure there isn't any further injury to the feathers.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 21st, 2020
As long as no blood feathers were cut, your bird should recover. The feathers will grow back after the next molt. He or she will not be able to fly though, so keep it safe in the cage and away from your little brother.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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