Zebra Pecking at Feet

[finchnoob]

Hello, Iam new to this website and fourms. Please let me know if something is not allowed or this is posted in the wrong section... Thank you for helping me.

In the beginning of January, I got my first bird. A light grey zebra finch(prettypie). The first day me and my mother got him he was so happy, singing all day. Everything was fine until a few weeks later. A few weeks later I noticed balding on the back of his neck/head. I believed that this was because of stress because he was alone. So, in the beginning of February I bought another zebra finch, he is dark gray(prettyboy). They got along together great.

I noticed that they attempt to mate with each-other though. Prettyboy does preen prettypies feathers.. I am certain that they are both males. Should I be concerned that they try and have intercourse?...

The main reason I have searched for help is because of prettypies behavior and recent health condition. This morning, I noticed that he was itching at his feet. I read online that sandy perches are bad for the finches so I took them out immediately. The sandy perches did not seem to affect prettyboy though. I examined there bodies thoroughly and only prettypie has stricken any concern in me. His feet seem to be scaly and he does have some strange bruising or plucking near his feet. (see pictures). He does still have the balding on the back of his neck and some on his head. What can I buy or do to fix prettypie...?

Also, They always rest in there food bowl.. Hardly stay on the wooden perches anymore. They always seem tired. Not very energetic...

[Sally]

It is hard to tell from the photos, but the feet of prettypie do seem to be irritated. I'm glad you got rid of the sandy perches, as I believe they do tend to irritate the feet, and that may be all that is wrong with prettypie. One thing I do with new birds is treat them with Scatt, which will kill many parasites that a bird might bring in with them. Scatt is not normally available in pet stores, you have to order it online.

What size/type cage are you using? What are you feeding them? They should be energetic, as Zebra finches are typically active little fellows.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care, housing, and nutrition. If you put your general location in your profile, it will make it easier for us to help you find supplies, etc.

[Sally]

I forgot to mention that one thing you can do right now for prettypie's feet is rub in a little antibiotic cream like neosporin. That might help with any irritation and help soothe them.

[finchnoob]

Well today,they have been resting in there food bowls. It bothers me because sometimes I would have just cleaned out there food bowl and give them fresh food to find that they have pooped in there fresh food! But I do find it cute that they sleep and rest there.

I do use Ecotrition Vita-Sol multi vitamin droplets for there water.

There is bald patches on prettypies leg and near his foot. Could it be mites? or even molting?

PrettyBoy is perfectly healthy and fine. There is no problems with him yet.

I will try using neosporin like you suggested.

[Sally]

Mites can be a possibility. They are almost impossible to see, and there are several types. This is why I like Scatt, it can take care of mites.

In your first post, you mention that your two boys mount each other. That is perfectly normal behavior when you have two birds of the same sex together, nothing to worry about. Birds pooping in their food is one reason I like seed hoppers, as they keep the seed clean.

[finchnoob]

I will buy Scatt asap just in case.

Also, where can I buy a seed hopper?

[cindy]

you can try washing the feet in an anticeptic wash, cleaner like Chlorhexidine and use a antibiotic like neosporin like suggested.

[lovezebs]

finchnoob

Pretty little boys.

As Sally already mentioned, there is the possibility of mites. She also recommended a good treatment.

Regarding sitting in the food dish. Why not offer them a nest to sleep in? Seeing as these are two boys, you won't have to worry about endless eggs. They will enjoy the nest, and that way, they won't poop in their food.

Regarding diet:
Your Zebras, will need a good quality finch seed mix, a variety of greens (like kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, beet greens, broccoli, cucumber slices , and some grated carrot. They also need some hard boiled eggs two or three times a week (for protein ). The eggs need to be boiled, peeled, and either mashed with a fork, or put through a garlic press. The shells need to be dried , crushed, and offered to the birds (they are a great source of calcium ).

Zebras, also enjoy taking baths. Offering them a container with a bit of lukewarm water, will offer them the opportunity to bathe, and it's fun to watch them.

Good luck with your birds.

[finchnoob]

I do nest/ hut-like structure but they would never go in it. I still keep it in the cage though... I dont know why but they just love sleeping in their food bowls...

i have fed them hard bowled eggs and carrots before. I just bought fresh carrots today so I can feed them some grated carrots tomorrow with a mashed hard boiled egg... i should only give them the white of the egg and some shells right? not the yellow part?
thanks!

[lovezebs]

finchnoob

The whole egg, not just the white.
Also some greens (not just carrots). Try a piece of romaine, or spinach, they will LOVE it.

Maybe try an open Canary style nest.

Good luck

[Sally]

I will buy Scatt asap just in case.

Also, where can I buy a seed hopper?

You can get seed hoppers from online dealers such as www.ladygouldian.com and www.glamgouldians.com, plus many others.

[finchnoob]

Also, should I be concerned that prettyboy is pulling out prettypies feathers? He does this a few times a day and I am concerned because prettypie already has some feather loss...