feather growth

by Kim Boustany
(Michigan)

Do birds grow new feathers even when they are not molting? I have a caique who is 5 months old and lately I've been noticing new pin feathers coming in on his head and neck and between his shoulders. I'm not seeing any feather loss except for a few grey downy underfeathers and even then, not alot. I don't think he is molting, I had heard that they don't have their first molt until around 12 months old. Any info on this would be appreciated. Thanks!