One of my zebra finches losing feathers?
- FinchMama
- Hatchling
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 10:27 pm
One of my zebra finches losing feathers?
I noticed today that one of my little buddies was sleeping with his head tucked into his wing that I could see skin on his back. When he's awake and singing I couldn't see his back skin at all, looked fully feathered. Am wondering if anyone else had seen that in their own birds, if it's something I should be concerned about? Thanks
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- Weaning
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- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2016 5:21 pm
Re: One of my zebra finches losing feathers?
FinchMama
Could it be plucking? Moulting rarely leaves bald patches. Do they have any nesting material, and have you seen any signs of aggression?
If not, it might just be how feathers grow. Birds do not have feathers uniformly spaced on their body; they grow in feather tracts. When feathers are in their normal position, they can cover bare areas, like along the edge of the keel and around the shoulders. I wouldn't worry about it too much if he otherwise seems normal.
Could it be plucking? Moulting rarely leaves bald patches. Do they have any nesting material, and have you seen any signs of aggression?
If not, it might just be how feathers grow. Birds do not have feathers uniformly spaced on their body; they grow in feather tracts. When feathers are in their normal position, they can cover bare areas, like along the edge of the keel and around the shoulders. I wouldn't worry about it too much if he otherwise seems normal.
- FinchMama
- Hatchling
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 10:27 pm
Re: One of my zebra finches losing feathers?
Icearstorm, Thank you so much for responding. I haven't noticed any aggression. No nesting material, trying to discourage any more babies to give them a break. I'll keep monitoring him.