HELP! Mom Canary plucking her week old chicks. :(

[lyzzyjayne]

This is her second clutch. Her first clutch she began to pluck one of her 4 so I moved him to another nest of young the same age and all was well. I figured it was an isolated incident. Now she has begun to pluck her week old chicks just when they are getting pinnies. The Father feeds the babies and is a good Father, should I take the Mom out? She would be devastated, but I have to think of the chicks.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Usually when canaries pluck, it's because they're looking for additional nesting material. Have you tried offering an abundance of it and a greater variety? Sometimes they pluck a little and the babies still do well. As long as the babies aren't a complete bloody mess, are being fed, and continue to grow, you may want to leave them with both parents. The feathers will grow back relatively quickly, once they're on their own and separated from the plucking parents. Just keep an eye on them and do what you've got to do if things get out of hand. Bob

[lyzzyjayne]

Thanks Bob! I moved the Mom because she had plucked one little guy pretty badly.
Good News! The Daddy Canary has stepped in and is doing a fabulous job of feeding the hatchlings.
Babies have stuffed crops and Daddy even sat on them awhile last nite.

[JulieRose]

I had this problem with the mum plucking feathers from her young till I put more bedding in for her. I used to cut up lengths of white wool and put it in the cage, they love it.

[fhgwgads]

lyzzyjayne unfortunately birds can act in ways we dont understand and deem heartless. I had a lot of issues with my parents! So happy that dad is stepping it up! Best of luck with them!!

[lyzzyjayne]

Thanks so much! The Dad has done a great job and the babies are all beautiful!