My Two Male Zebras

[jamilaz1]

I have placed two male zebras from a cage of four to a second cage. They seemed to be getting along fine-perching together, not fighting, etc. One seemed to incur an injury which made it difficult for him for navigate well. I placed a paper towel in the bottom of the cage and it seemed to help him launch and he soon was flying and perching again though a little clumsily. Now I see he has a featherless patch just above his tail feathers. I'm wondering if perhaps the other male which is dominant is breeding with the injured male and causing some type of cloacal infection. Thanks in advance for any help to save my little guy.
Jamila

[cindy]

if it is just above the top of the tail he is likely being plucked by a dominant cage mate. How many feed stations do you have set up?

[Sally]

He could have been plucked while you still had all four together, or it could have started since you separated them, you'll just have to watch and see.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care, especially the Zebra finch. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier to answer questions later on.

[jamilaz1]

I have one large feed station which I replenish every other day and water every day. I was afraid of bullying when I removed the two from their original cage and when I put the two in separate cage, one did establish dominance but no constant harassment. I feel like they are safer separated but yet lonely. I have the cages right next to each other so they can at least "visit". Sally@cindy
Thanks for the welcome and the info.
Jamila