Molting

Molting is the process by which animals shed their external body covering, such as feathers, fur, or shells, in order to replace it with new growth. It is a crucial adaptive process of growth and development in many species of animals, allowing them to expand in size, replace worn out body parts, and generally adapt to their environment. Molting is essential for maintaining health and can prevent disease, such as parasites. Some animals, such as some birds, molt more than once a year, while others may only molt once. Molting is a natural, vital process for many species of animals.