Young society finch slow to develop plumage

[flightsofsplendor]

Hi,

I'm new here and have a question about a slow-to-develop baby finch. It was by far slower than its nestmate to leave the nest, and at six weeks it is still bald around the throat and under the tail. No one seems to be pecking at him, but he sleeps much more than the others. Is this a condition I should be aware of? His nestmate developed a full set of feathers and socialized well a long time ago

Thanks for anyone reading this!

[flightsofsplendor]

Now it seems the young one's nest mate is losing feathers from the top of its head and over its ears (it is a crested). I see no spikes coming, as one would expect from a first molt. Could this already be first signs of a first molt? All my other finches are acting and looking normal.

Sorry the photos are sideways--I haven't learned how to edit them yet!

[mayble]

My first thought would be that someone is plucking them.
If possible, I'd separate them from the rest to see if it continues to get worse or starts to improve.
Good luck with them.

[flightsofsplendor]

I think you're absolutely right, Mayble! Sunday night I isolated them, and already they're beginning to show tiny spikes. Thank you for your advice.

[mayble]

Good to hear, Deb. Glad they are doing better.