Bald Finch

[Touston]

I recently rescued a finch - all white- which I was told by the rescue group that it was a cross between zebra/society. Anyway, the finch was severely picked on and was in a cage by himself/herself (I have no idea what sex it is). The back of the neck was bare from pecking. The bird has gone thru a molt and the feathers do not appear to be growing back. I read somewhere that there could be so much damage from pecking that the feathers won't come back - wondering if this is true? OR, is there something that I could be feeding that would help. The bird gets high quality seed, veggies and millet spray on occasion. Any thoughts?

[rcharrod]

Touston

Any way you can post a picture? A Zebra/Society hybrid, while not unheard of, would be pretty uncommon I think. Both Zebras and Societies can be all white, whether male or female. Does the bird sing at all, or just make little chirpy cricket sounds? Only males will sing...

[debbie276]

The feather follicle can be so damaged by severe plucking that the feathers may not grow back. The best thing for feather growth is high protein foods such a hard boiled eggs.

good luck, please keep us posted how he does

[Touston]

I will try to get a picture and post it. I guess the information that the rescue group gave me must have been incorrect. I rescued this bird, who is all white and only chirps - not singing like the male Zebra that I have. I also rescued another white finch, but the 2nd one has a black stripe on the cheek. That one also only chirps. My feeling has been that both are females. The two white birds are now a bonded pair. If there really isn't a chance for them to be zebra/society cross, then who knows what they are but guess it doesn't matter because they are not a breeding pair. I was told that people breed & breed and the line can get so messed up with brothers/sisters breeding and then the color of the true bird just goes away and you end up with a white bird. Wonder if that is true?

[debbie276]

A picture may help. Not a zebra expert but I do believe I've heard a few times now that the white chicks do get plucked and can be picked on more then others. I don't believe white zebra only come about from inbreeding but I'm sure a zebra expert will jump in soon and clarify.

[Touston]

Trying to add photo, but not sure if it will show. I added 3 photos of "Baldie" to the forum into the Gallery. Sorry, I'm computer challenged and finding it difficult to understand how to post a photo/album.

[Touston]

one more pick of Baldie and the other white rescued finch.

[lovezebs]

Touston

Hello.

Your picture of Baldie, came through fine.
Yes, it looks like this little one was definitely plucked.

From this picture, I can't tell if it is a Zebra, or a Society (both come in white).

A white Society, will usually have a pale pink beak. A white Zebra, depending on gender, will have a red beak, or an orange/red beak.

As to the bald spot, it is possible (as Debbie said) for the damage to be permanent, if the plucking went on for too long.

However, I would still try to offer an excellent diet, rich in eggs, lots of greens, a couple of drops of birdie vitamins in the water, and fortified bird grit, along with a good quality seed mix.

I have found that that Sebras and Societies, don't need to wait till they molt, to grow new feathers. Check out the before and after pictures below. This youngster was severely plucked. I seperated him into a different flight, and within a few short weeks, look at the difference.

I would love to see some pictures of a front or side view of your new kids.

Good luck