Red-Billed Firefinch Feather Plucking

[Grant]

Uh oh! We have a problem!!! So, some of you know that I recently purchased a pair of firefinches. I put them in my green aviary with one pair of Gouldians, and everybody was seemingly getting along well. The firefinches formed a bond, and quickly started constructing a nest, preening each other, etc. yesterday evening I noticed a problem: my hen has a bald patch on her back. I think either the male is plucking her feathers for the nest or she is doing it to herself. Should I just ignore this, or am I gonna have to break up these shenanigans?

Btw, I cannot wait until these Gouldians finish molting. They look so pitiful!

[Ginene]

If the patch is on her back, its probably her mate. Try giving them some feathers as nest material, so that the male doesn't have to pluck his mate to line the nest. You can also provide other kinds of nest material, which may distract the male. Best of luck to you...

[Perfex]

I agree with Ginene. Try more nesting material and feathers, white feathers.

I know what you mean about the gouldians. I was glad when my Gouldians feathers came back in! They looked right shabby for several weeks. An embarrassment to my upmost care and attention.

[Grant]

Thanks ladies. I'll try this--any idea where I can pick up some chicken feathers? I had a lot of nesting material in there, but he used almost all of it. Then, I put more in two days ago, and he's already two-thirds through that too. I guess he wants to build the Taj Mahal for his lady friend.

[debbie276]

If you buy a feather pillow you will have tons of feathers to offer

[Sally]

If you buy a feather pillow you will have tons of feathers to offer

Yes, the cheap feather pillows from Walmart or Target will provide you with all the feathers you will need for years to come!

[Grant]

Well, I guess I will be confronting my "feather pillow allergy." It's for the finches--don't worry, my potential death will not be in vain. haha