Old ones die and new are hatched

[Angela&Shalamar]

I found Zander one of my original zebra males dead this a.m. His back was naked though not bloody like his mate had been plucked him? Not sure. He was fine yesterday morning as far as I could tell but this was something I wouldn't have seen unless I had handled him. He was the only one Zava got along with and they had been together over a year. Zava sadly will stay alone as finding her someone she "likes" is just to challanging. On the other hand Ella and Gidget have hatched their first egg this morning. 2 more to go. Cycle of life and all but poor Zander wasn't that old. I'd only gotten them early spring 2013. Still I know I didn't do anything wrong it's just one of those things...still feeling sad even as I'm happy for the new hatchling.

[KarenB]

Sorry about your Zander

I hope your little hatchling is well cared for, and that you have many more to come.

[Ginene]

So sorry for your loss...fly free little one...

[MiaCarter]

Aw, I'm so sorry to hear about this!

The plucking can happen after death. It is apparently normal.
This happened to one of my hens when she died. I found it really disturbing, like they'd desecrated her. She passed away in the food bowl and they plucked everything that was facing up.

At least you have the new baby to brighten your day. That's always a good thing.

Fly free, little Zander.