Incubating Hen Feather Plucking

[TailFeathers]

Hey all,

I have about 7 pairs of canaries and out of all the canaries, one of the incubating hens showed signs of feather plucking.

I have a daily routine where I change out all the water every morning, refill with fresh seed mix and clean cage if needed. After that I place a bath for them. However, today I noticed my yellow frosted canary was bare bellied. I don't know if it's because the water made her look more bare, but then she just started plucking out feathers.

She continues to call out to another canary male who always responds to her call. The partner she has does feed her, but not much.

I'm wondering if this could be a case of both psychological and possible disease/mite infestation.

Any clue as to why an incubating hen would pluck feathers?

Thanks

[kristofer]

Try providing some cotton for her, is she is one of those females that feels the need to line the nest with some soft materilas than that is the reason why she probably plucked herself.

[TailFeathers]

Try providing some cotton for her, is she is one of those females that feels the need to line the nest with some soft materilas than that is the reason why she probably plucked herself.

Hey,

I did notice she was picky when building her nest she refused to use burlap or jute strands so I placed only shredded soft paper towels. The ones that come folded. She used that almost exclusively for her nest, so will try to put cotton in this week and see if she uses it as I'm afraid to disturb or lest she abandons her eggs.