Guidelines for Good Molt

During the moult, try to do the following:-

1. Keep the cage half covered with the cage cloth cover.

2. Keep the cage in its usual place in the house that the bird is already familiar with and likes.

3. Do not take the bird to bird gatherings or hang its cage in the garden etc. The moult should be a time of rest and rejuvenation while the feathers are changed.

4. Make sure that the place where the shama is kept is cool as shamas cannot take much heat.

5. Provide bath facilities once a day. This encourages the bird to preen and this helps the feathers to grow.

6. Ensure that the bird receives sufficient protein in its diet. Protein is especially important as the new feathers are made up mostly of protein. If possible, feed only live food or supplement the dry food with a variety of live food.

7. A good vitamin and mineral supplement should be given to the birds. In addition, B Complex should be given 4 to 5 times a week and Vitamin E in oil form should be given 3 times a week. The oil makes the feathers glossy.