Zebra parents plucking their babies, help!

[summert85]

Thank you so much for all the answer. Its very helpful.

Cindy, I think I will do what you mentioned about adding nesting material first before I remove the dad. Its a great idea because I hate to split them up. I will post a pic tomorrow morning to show you where the bold spots are on the mom and the chicks.

[summert85]

Here are some pictures, You can see the bold spots on the babies.

[Ameza]

Aaaawwwwwwwwww

Look at them, the poor things!

But yeah, I'm at the moment having the same problem.

Best of luck with yours!

[summert85]

i removed the dad this morning, i crossed my fingers mom will be okay raising them by herself.

[cindy]

Did you read the article? Did you you find out who is doing this, did you see dad do it? Did you offer him a nest and materials to distract him?

[summert85]

i gave him nesting material..yesterday night til this afternoon, he shows no interest in them. saw him picking on one of the chick, came out with a feather in his mouth. so i made the decision to separate him. do u think its too soon?

[ac12]

nope
mom can take care of the kids just fine by herself

[cindy]

No....did good. The fact you saw him with a feather means he is in nesting mode not rearing mode. He needs a cooling off period. Place him in a separate cage near them and give him a nest to roost in along with nesting material....he needs a hobby to pass the time!

[summert85]

thanks to the both of you. u both been great to me.

[cindy]

Keep us posted on the little ones and mom! Glad to help!

[summert85]

Mom is doing great on her own with the two babies. Anyways, I'm having problems trying to figure out what mutation these babies are...Maybe someone can help me. Mom is a split to black breast & dad is orange breast


There are some black showing in the breast area. Also noticed, the tear mark on the one left is reduced.

There are also some oranges in the tail

also some orange spots on the side under the wings

[cindy]

Based on mom being split to BB and dad an OB

your chicks could be

50% Normal/Orange breasted
50% Normal/Orange breasted Black breasted

http://www.efinch.com/species/bbzeb.htm refer to the section on "Identifying Splits"


http://www.efinch.com/species/obzeb.htm "Identifying splits"

Since they are splits they will show some traits for splits....reduced tear and color in the tails, etc. The articles above detail what to look for.

[summert85]

Thanks Cindy, I cant wait til they get their adult colors. Anxious to see what theyll look like.

[summert85]

Updates: the babies are doing great! weaned and remove from mom. already started getting adult pin feathers coming in. i will post a picture tomorrow.