Rest - Eight to twelve hours of total darkness per day will be required during the annual molt. Security - Instincts direct birds to be quiet and stay hidden during an annual molt. The loss of feathers handicaps their flying skills which makes wild birds more susceptible to predators. The growth of hundreds of feathers also somewhat weakens them. Pet birds feel the same stresses as wild birds.
Birds start feather picking and other vices during a molt more than at any other time.
Providing birds with a quiet place, and covering part of the cage so that they have a place to hide reduces their anxieties. Quiet - In nature, a molting bird resides in a peaceful, safe area . Molting pet birds should be kept in an area free of disturbances. When the quills begin to loosen, the bird removes them and is then ready to care for the new feathers. Each new feather is wrapped in a protective keratin casing.