FINCHforum

2 of my girls (in a flight of 14) are being picked on. Both are quite bald on the back of their heads/necks.


Poor things. I don't know who is doing it. 1 or more, or why.

I don't know what to do. Since I don't know who the culprit(s) are I thought of removing them, but feel it's unfair to them as they are the poor gals being picked on.


Any suggestions? I was thinking they are fighting over territory. It's a big cage, and I have 3 sections near the top with artifical foliage. I'm thinking maybe I need to add 1 or 2 more leafy branches.....

How big is the cage?

With 14 in the cage it need to be roomy enough with multiple spots for feeding and water. Equal height perches.

Plucking usually comes down to dominance either over space, perches, food dishes.

this is an article with helpful hints and insight as to why plucking happens?

http://zebrafinchsociety.co.uk/index.ph ... &Itemid=68

Who, specifically, is being picked on? Are your Societies in the same cage as your Zebras? As you may know, Zebras can be aggressive, especially in mixed flight cages, and especially if they have babies and are defending their nests. Even in a big cage (although, as cindy rightly points out, the size of the cage does make a huge difference. Especially the length.) If you an provide specific cage dimensions we can help you out as far as determining whether the cage is size-appropriate for 14 finches.

But even if the cage is still big enough, they may still bicker. My first thought is that you may need to house the Societies separately.

I would take the 2 out so you can feed them a LOT of egg food, to regrow their feathers.

If these 2 are societies, I agree, separate your societies from your zebras.