Hello, this is my first post on finch forum.
I have 2 zebra finches. One is a male and the other is a female (a pair). A few days ago I noticed that near to the tail of my male finch, there are missing feathers. Is this molting or is he sick?
If this is not molting then will they grow back?
Thank you for any info.
Zebra finch bald patch
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Sally
- Mod Extraordinaire
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Re: Zebra finch bald patch
Chances are, he has been plucked by the hen. Do they have a nest? They will use feathers as nesting material, especially if they don't have anything else. Try to watch and see if you catch her doing it.
Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.fnchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care, especially the Zebra finch. We'd love to see pictures of your birds and cage.
Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.fnchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care, especially the Zebra finch. We'd love to see pictures of your birds and cage.
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lovezebs
- Mod Extraordinaire
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- Joined: Sun Dec 15, 2013 11:51 am
- Location: Calgary Alberta Canada
Re: Zebra finch bald patch
finch002
The Mrs, might be pulling some of his feathers out, or he might be doing it himself.
Sometimes they'll do it to line their nest, sometimes when they have a spat, and at times out of boredom.
Feathers should grow back in a few weeks, with good diet. However, if she continuously pulls the same feathers, eventually they won't grow back. So it's something to keep an eye on.
If they have a nest, and they are breeding, then offer some ulternative nesting materials (such as shredded kleenex, coco fiber, timothy hay etc.)
If they are simply bored, then offering them something to keep them busy would be a good idea. You can put a swing in your cage, some fake plants, a small Tupperware container, with some hay, a few spray millet crumbles, some little twigs and so on to keep them occupied.
Just a few ideas.....
The Mrs, might be pulling some of his feathers out, or he might be doing it himself.
Sometimes they'll do it to line their nest, sometimes when they have a spat, and at times out of boredom.
Feathers should grow back in a few weeks, with good diet. However, if she continuously pulls the same feathers, eventually they won't grow back. So it's something to keep an eye on.
If they have a nest, and they are breeding, then offer some ulternative nesting materials (such as shredded kleenex, coco fiber, timothy hay etc.)
If they are simply bored, then offering them something to keep them busy would be a good idea. You can put a swing in your cage, some fake plants, a small Tupperware container, with some hay, a few spray millet crumbles, some little twigs and so on to keep them occupied.
Just a few ideas.....
~Elana~
Linnies~ Canaries ~ Zebras ~ Societies ~ Gouldians ~ Orange Cheeks ~ Shaft Tails ~ Strawberries ~ Red Cheek Cordon Bleu ~ Goldbreasts ~ Red Brows ~ Owls ~ Budgies ~ Diamond Firetails ~ Javas ~ Forbes Parrot Finches ~
Linnies~ Canaries ~ Zebras ~ Societies ~ Gouldians ~ Orange Cheeks ~ Shaft Tails ~ Strawberries ~ Red Cheek Cordon Bleu ~ Goldbreasts ~ Red Brows ~ Owls ~ Budgies ~ Diamond Firetails ~ Javas ~ Forbes Parrot Finches ~