Is this normal?

[NewPigeonOwner]

Any idea why this birds feathers look like this on his neck? Is something wrong? It looks like new feathers coming in like they did on the squabs? But also looks unhealthy?! Only one of our pigeons has this. Tia!

 

[sourland]

It's molting, and those are pin/blood feathers that are growing in.

 

[AltonaAcres]

Looks like those are feathers growing in. The little 'tubes' you are seeing are just the shaft that the new feathers are growing in. Once the shafts split the new feathers will 'unfold' and he'll look normal again. Nothing to worry about!

 

[NewPigeonOwner]

Thank you! I was worried he had mites or something.

 

[backyard pigeons]

Yes! Expect your whole flock to begin molting soon.