Molt & Molt &

If Fig did not have an injured wing, I never would have known that the feathers molt in some sort of a linear order, like a choir filing off the bleachers, as can be seen here. The good wing looks exactly the same, but you can't tell unless she stretches it out. (Molt started in February, and will end hmm???)

Soon, Fig's pretty face will look like a porcupine for a few weeks while new feathers come poking through, pushing out the old ones like baby teeth, and she'll want her face washed constantly to stay comfortable. I just hope her injured wing can successfully change feathers without getting any ingrown feathers on the underside by her destroyed elbow joint; an ingrown feather was the initial problem she had in the nest that caused her to end up with me a year ago, with a massive infection, and a broken wing. I had better keep a close eye on Fig's preening and watch to see if she develops persistent irritation in her trouble area.

Anyway, she is filling out nicely, putting on weight, getting fluffier and fluffier. I have added additional carrots, sweet potatoes, and oily fish to her diet to help her new feathers come in super pretty, and shiny. I cannot wait to see her purple and green hues in the sunset.