Is it unusual for Java Finches, when breeding to......

[bobsinoregon]

Hello. I have two pairs of Javas that are courting. The pairs are in their own separate flight cages.

One of the females looks like she a a Slight bit of feather loss at the back of her head near her neck.

I want to the bird store today and BOTH of the female Javas there had the same thing.

Is it dad showing dominance, part of the breeding courtship, molting....? They are all getting great food, seed, minerals, calcium, veggies, vitamins in the water. Smash egg, yok and all.

Each male and female pair get along great.

Thoughts?

[Sally]

I would imagine that the male is plucking the hen, which often happens when finches are in breeding mode. Are you offering any feathers to them in their nesting material? Finches will use many materials to build a nest, such as coco fiber, grass, hay, but they love something soft to line the nest. If you don't supply something soft, they will often pluck feathers for lining.