single mom..is pecking fledgling?

mommybird · Post by **mommybird** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:46 pm

dad died in an unfortunate cat-related accident about 10 days before the one baby that hatched fledged. evertyhing was fine with single mom feedlng single baby, he fledged about 10 days ago and looking fine, tasting millet and egg food and seed on his own. now last 2 days it is evident that baby neck feathers are missing.

i have to assume mom is pecking baby, dont see much evidence of feathers, one or two in bottom of nest... could he be sick and losing feathers on his own?

unfortunately at this time of year we humans are all at work or school all day and can't observe much.

the two (mom and baby) are still sleeping in the nest - shld i remove the nest ? is she exhibiting nest-building behavior? not able to tell if baby is male or female yet.

and, what shld i do for this pair - i thought to trade the baby out and get a new mate for mom.

thanks in advance, i'm so glad i found this forum. i kept finches years ago and just rediscovered how much i love them. (they were my mothers day gift this spring..)

SORRY need to add these are zebras

chrischris · Post by **chrischris** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:54 pm

as far as I am aware of zebras are known to pluck other feathers to line their nest. It may be that the mother wants to lay another clutch of eggs and is preparing the nest again. I would personally take out the nest and see if this solves the problem this way she will be interested in weaning her single chick and not in nest building again.

Chris

mommybird · Post by **mommybird** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:00 pm

thanks, that was my thought too but i was afraid it was too soon for baby to be without nest.

chrischris · Post by **chrischris** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:03 pm

no it should be fine. the baby doesn't need the nest.

Post by **Sally** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 12:26 am

One of the most frustrating things about owning Zebras is their love of feather-plucking! I agree with Chris, take the nest out--Zebs love to sleep in a nest, but it also triggers breeding instincts. If you trade out the baby for a male mate, just be aware that along with breeding like rabbits, you will have to watch for feather-plucking.