Kiwi who I just got about 2 weeks ago was just he most lovey little bird but now she has little white feathers comming through and she has been real cranky. I know she has been through alot in her first 2 years Just look at her. But why would she be nice than all of a sudden be so grouchy and try to bit me. I haven't done nothing different.

Could be if you were petting her and hit one of those white feather things, they hurt until the feathers come in. That could be why she is "bitey" ..... it's kind of like theething in kids... this too shall pass.

All that I can think of, hope that this helps you a bit.

Joni

Through my experience with having birds and my worry wart nature I've seen it all with molting. I even took one in thinking she had lost weight, but in deed had gained. Sometimes they look like they've shrunk because their new feathers are looking too big for them at the moment.
Birds can get very cranky with those new feathers comming in and not feel their best. They sometimes seem more tired and may even sleep a bit more. They may even look as though they have some bald patches where the feathers are comming in and being lost. They certainly feel more itchy.
A daily spray bath will help alot to soften those pin feathers so they can rub them off against cage bars or whatever. Especially when they don't have a friend bird to help with preening.
Also my vet said some millet spray and extra grains and protein is a good thing to add to their diet when they're molting.
don't worry, once the new feathers are in your baby should return to normal.
Best of luck to both of you
tikileahsmom

Hi Jess,
There is a "honeymoon" stage where they are just adjusting to their new environment, which is probably what you went through in the last two weeks. Since he was in such a neglectful situation you probably just need to give him some time to adjust to his new and more loving home. With any bird, it's always a matter of patience. It's also spring time, so they are more cranky and hormonal during this time. Offer him some extra baths etc. to help with his itchiness and discomfort. Has he had a vet-check to see if his plucking was a medically related?

Good Luck, others will be around shortly with some more advice!

Thank you for the advice. Yes from what the lady told me she was to the vet 2 years ago. She came from a lady who rescued her 2 years ago. Kiwi is now 4. The lady I got her from did alot of rehabilitation with her. But I will try the spray thing. How long with this crankyness last for?

Hopefully just a few weeks, but you never know it depends on the bird. I think the spray baths will lesson the time to just a few weeks of the worse part. I've seen birds molt for quite some time though.
tikileahsmom

If Kiwi was at the vet's 2 yrs ago, she is due for another checkup. They should have a checkup every year. The pin feathers do bother them and if she will let you, you can help her preen...Let me see if I can explain it...I used to hold Joy on my chest with a towel draped over me to keep her from slipping off...just pet softly and feel for those hard feather..What I did was take one feather at a time and with my thumb nail and my index finger, kinda rub it till the sheath breaks and it helps the feather develop..Don't pull, and if you do it too hard, she will definately let you know with a screach or a bite....Joy loved for me to do this and when I was done, the towel was covered with the dust from the feather sheath...it may take some practice to get used to it, but this is a good bonding time too...Gabby loves for me to preen her too, but seems more touchy than Joy was..
Hope she comes around soon..Just be very patient and don't try to force her to do something she doesn't want to do...give her time and MUCH love and she will adjust to her new loving home and you...

Rebecca