Hi All
I have a Zebra Finch that has 3 babies on the verge of fledging, I noticed that her head has been completely plucked by unknown culprit/s. I am not sure whether to remove her from the Aviary and hope that the male feeds the young or to wait until they fledge and then remove her to recover. She is one of my Star breeders and I would hate anything to happen to her. Any advice?
Regards
Steve
Bald Zebra Finch
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steve
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lovezebs
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Re: Bald Zebra Finch
steve
Hi.
I am assuming that her mate is the 'plucker'. Perhaps he's in a hurry to breed again, and looking for soft nest lining material.
Once the babies fledge, is it possible to place Dad in a cage adjacent to where Mom and babies are? He could still help feed babies through the bars, but leave Mom's head alone for the time being, unless she sticks her head through the bars. With a clutch of only 3, she should be able to feed on her own, even if he decides not to participate.
Once the plucking stops, her feathers should start coming in fairly quickly, with a good diet rich in eggs and vegetables.
*If plucking continues for an extended period of time in the same spot, eventually feathers will stop growing, leaving a permanent bald spot due to damage.
~Elana~
Hi.
I am assuming that her mate is the 'plucker'. Perhaps he's in a hurry to breed again, and looking for soft nest lining material.
Once the babies fledge, is it possible to place Dad in a cage adjacent to where Mom and babies are? He could still help feed babies through the bars, but leave Mom's head alone for the time being, unless she sticks her head through the bars. With a clutch of only 3, she should be able to feed on her own, even if he decides not to participate.
Once the plucking stops, her feathers should start coming in fairly quickly, with a good diet rich in eggs and vegetables.
*If plucking continues for an extended period of time in the same spot, eventually feathers will stop growing, leaving a permanent bald spot due to damage.
~Elana~
~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 ~
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steve
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Re: Bald Zebra Finch
Elana, 2 of them fledged this morning, lovely little things, I will post pics later, I will monitor the situation and if things do not improve move them to other cages as you suggest.Once the babies fledge, is it possible to place Dad in a cage adjacent to where Mom and babies are?
Regards
Steve
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MiaCarter
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Re: Bald Zebra Finch
Elana's advice is spot on.
If you'd like to try, you could provide some nesting materials to satisfy the male's quest for nesting materials. Often, feathers are one of the best options. You can get them at the craft store or even stick a new, non-dyed feather duster in there (that gives them a plucking experience too.)
I'm always loathe to remove any parents from the equation because sometimes, it's sufficiently upsetting to the other parent to the point where they start neglecting the babies. That would be my primary worry.
If you'd like to try, you could provide some nesting materials to satisfy the male's quest for nesting materials. Often, feathers are one of the best options. You can get them at the craft store or even stick a new, non-dyed feather duster in there (that gives them a plucking experience too.)
I'm always loathe to remove any parents from the equation because sometimes, it's sufficiently upsetting to the other parent to the point where they start neglecting the babies. That would be my primary worry.
Humum to....
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
3 Society Finches
6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
2 Parakeets
....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.
www.PetFinchFacts.com
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
3 Society Finches
6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
2 Parakeets
....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.
www.PetFinchFacts.com