peacock losing feathers

[tmv]

My in-laws have a male peacock and he has been losing his tailfeathers by the handfulls for about a month now. We were under the impression that they do this in the fall, but it is in the middle of the summer. Is there something missing in his diet to have him molting now? Thank you in advance for your answer.

[ireneo]

I don't deal with pet birds, only wildlife. I do know parrots can have emotional issues and do a lot of feather plucking. Nothing worse than a naked parrot. It doesn't sound like the peacock is doing that, more that the feathers are just dropping out. Although I don't think in terms of bonding and emotions in our wild birds, I do try to provide a more natural environment (after their injuries have healed) and different forms of enrichment (finding their own bugs in a tray of dirt, opening nuts, picking berries off of branches). There's no way to know if he's "bored" but a little enrichment wouldn't hurt. Even something like bushes in his pen which would attract bugs. Best of luck.

[tmv]

Thank you again, I'll definitely let them know. Also, just wondering since he is alone if that plays any role in feather loss. Obviously I have no idea, but can they get depressed? He eats well and seems fine, but they have only owned him a few months and he was around others before. Thanks again.

[ireneo]

Cracked corn on its own is not all that nutritious. I believe peacocks also need some protein usually found in the form of insects. Obviously they don't want to go bug hunting. But they could add to the corn some mixed grain and seed and even get some game bird chow at the feed store which has some protein in it. We use it for very young ducklings and goslings. But even they can't live on just game bird chow because the higher protein levels cause "angel wing". So perhaps a more varied diet would be helpful in the long run and we can hope it's just an early molt for the peacock and he'll bounce back just as beautiful as before.

[tmv]

Thank you so much for your input. They live in the northeastern states. Maybe it is molting time there, too. They have him in a pen and feed him cracked corn. I'll mention the Nekton Bio to them. Thank you again.

[ireneo]

This may be no help at all but I'll add my 2 cents worth. I'm not sure what part of the country you're in but in our area (NW) most of the birds are molting now. The juveniles are getting their adult plumage and the adults just look scraggly. It's possible the peacock has some kind of parasite too. I deal with feather lice and mites all the time. Nasty little rascals. Is the peacock free-range, eating what he wants or is he penned and living on a prepared diet? That would be helpful to know. One thing I like to add to my baby bird diets is Nekton Bio. It's a powder with all the essential nutrients for healthy feather development. It only takes a tiny bit each day. Just a thought.