Feather loss after addition

[Sharona]

I have 3 societies - 2 hens and 1 male. I've quarantined and treated as instructed on this site and with Laraine's input. All three are energetic and happy to my knowledge. I feed them seed mix, egg food with shells, spouted/chitted seeds and, as a treat, millet spray. I give them mineral/vitamins weekly.

The hens were purchased before the male so after the quarantine I added the hens to the males cage for 4 days to avoid dominance problems. Two days ago I put all three birds into the hen's original cage because it's much larger.

From time to time I see one or two feathers when I clean the cages but in the last two days I've found aprox 40-50 small white feathers around the cage. After inspecting the birds I see that the male has some feather loss on his chest - I had to INSPECT to see this but it's there.

Not one time have I seen or heard any fussing or fighting between the birds. At times the male will sing and dance and try to approach one of the hens but she just pecks him in the beak and he moves on.

Obviously I'm concerned so I've tried to search the site and web to figure this out. Here's my thinking... it's either stress related because of the addition of the hens and changing cages or it's hormonal because of the hens. I do have a nest in the cage. I don't think it's health related because he's had no other problems, still acts fine and has been treated/medicated for everything I know of.

I've put a heat lamp on the cage, added Vitalize to the water for the evening and plan to add Feather Fast tomorrow.

Is there anything I'm missing? Should I remove the nest until they adjust?

I did add Zupreme Natural pellets to the diet today and they jumped right into it! I was shocked because I thought they would have to learn to like it!

I'd really appreciate any input or advice!

[finchmix22]

The feathers can be for nesting material. If you want to give them a chance to adjust first, then take out the nest and add it back once the feathers regrow.

[kenny66]

typical of fincvhes wanting to nest I think. If you have a nest in the cage,either put in lots of nesting material or remove the nest. The peck from the hen is a NO sign to the male. However that will not stop him building a nest and if necessary he will use his chest feathers to do it if nothing else is around. Sometimes removing the nest will not stop him from wanting to still build one. I have canaries and several finch breeds that will do this. Hope this helps

[Sharona]

It looks like you guys were right!

I had already placed an Abba nest in the cage already filled with nesting material. Last time the hens laid I used a wicker nest and added the material myself and the hens just started laying. I didn't consider the male might want to add his own special touches!

So I removed some of the nesting material and placed it on the floor of the cage = they immediately started playing with it and then proceeded to start building a nest in the tiny container of Herbal Salad I have hanging on the side of the cage.

They won't go near that ABBA nestbox! These little buggers! I've spent all this time worrying, researching the best foods & supplements, spending money, and doing everything I can to make it perfect and they just are NOT gonna do it MY way! Isn't that dang ABBA box supposed to better for them?

Sooo, I'm removing the Herbal Salad and putting some millet spray next to the ABBA box to entice them to accept it.

But the great thing is that I've only found a couple feathers today - drastically reduced from the last few days.

[kenny66]

give the a choice of nest receptacles-the abba box and a cane basket
should do the trick

[Sharona]

Last Sunday I added the second choice nest (cane/bamboo) and extra nesting materials and, voila!, they immediately started building a nest. They still haven't acknowledged the Abba nest but maybe they will in the future.

Today I found an egg! I have no idea as to fertility as I haven't seen any mating but at least they are getting comfortable. We'll just see where nature takes things.

I also haven't seen any more feather loss from the male.
Thanks for all your help!