Finches Scratching and Pulling Out Feathers

[Jerimica]

We have a male society finch and a male zebra finch living together in a relatively large cage. The society finch is around 7 or 8 years old and we have noticed a bald spot on his neck. The other side of his neck looks like it has a small hole in it. It is flesh toned, not bloody or infected looking, but is definitely a small hole. Both of the finches have been scratching their beaks against the perches and wires of the cage, and both will pick at their feathers almost obsessively. At times their feathers will be very puffed up, to the point of looking very ill. They are both eating and do not seem to be fighting.

A few weeks ago, one of the society finches died. He was about 7 or 8 years old, so it seemed to just be of old age. We got the zebra finch to keep the other finch company. Is it possible the new one brought bird mites/lice? What can we do to help them?

[Sally]

Even though the two birds are in a large cage, some Zebras are worse than others about feather-plucking. If you think you might have mites, there are several things you can do. I use AIL (Avian Insect Liquidator by Vetafarm). Very safe spray that can be sprayed directly on the birds without harming them. Pestex is another product that can be sprayed directly on the birds. Many use SCATT, which is for air sac mites, but I think it also can get external mites. S76 and Iverlux are also supposed to do the same.

All of these products are available from many online vendors, but not available from local petshops as a rule. Just look around and see which one you think you'd like to try, and where you can get it.

BTW, I just realized you did not put your location in your profile. If you would do that, it helps to answer questions, as not all these products are available outside the U.S.

[Robin.V]

Society and zebra finches can be obsessive preeners at times.
Do they have access to a bath or get sprayed daily?

Mites wouldnt be an immediate conclusion that I would come to, zebra finches actually eat mite and it is rare for them to carry them.
It would do no harm treating them for mite anyway, most people do it from time to time and when bringing in new birds.

Feather plucking would be my first thought, zebs are renowned for it, especially if they are in breeding ciondition or there is a nest/roost box available to them.

It could also just be old age taking its toll on the bird, I have an old crested society here that has a bald throat, the feathers have never grew back, but it is still fit and healthy.

Keep us posted.

[carmena]

I believe that hole may be its ear.

[L in Ontario]

I don't think it's mites either. Probably the Zeb plucking the Soc and / or vice versa. The hole in the lower side of its head is most likely it's ear espcially since it's not bloody or infected... just plucked around its ear. Zebras are (usually) much more agressive than Societies.