Worried New Mom

[lchrucker 2]

Hi.
I have three society finches. I just got them last Friday. They are happy and healthy, loud and active. One of them worries me though. When he, Tucker, takes a deep breath the feathers on his tummy open at the middle in a vertical line (like he's wearing a sweater and it's falling open). I can see glimpses of his skin. I finally got the courage to pick him up today so I could examine him. The skin looks healthy. He doesn't seem to be irritated/ There aren't any goosebumps. Now Tucker is the one who gets picked on a little by Bruno. Tucker has been plucked just a bit on the back of his head and on his lower back. Not much, just one or two feathers missing. This space on his tummy is nothing like those spots. Its smooth and warm and only shows when he puffs out his chest. I want to know if this is normal. I find myself staring at him constantly. Is he healthy? He acts fine, enjoys baths, loves to eat.
Also, I'm just calling Tucker a he because I named him Tucker. I have no proof that he's a boy. In fact I think he may be a girl. He doesn't stand up and sing like the other two, Bruno and Temple.
I'm just really nervous over him. If the open sweater syndrome is normal please let me know.
Thanks

[lovezebs]

Hi Liana.

I have two male societies in my crew. I know that at times they will fluff their feathers out and it looks a bit like a cardigan thing, especially when they are wet. But, it's not that noticeable. Is it possible that Bruno is plucking Tucker?

I've heard that at times if there is an odd bird out, it might get picked on by the others, but usually it doesn't apply to societies if I remember right.

Maybe you need an extra little one to even things out. In the meanwhile, I would keep an eye on them, and offer mashed hard boiled egg, shell and all to help little one grow new feathers.

Societies are wonderful little birds and I love them dearly.

[Ginene]

lchrucker 2
Welcome to the forum, Liana . Societies are my favorite finch species! I have 5 adults and 5 babies almost ready to leave their nest I too have noticed this "Cardigan" thing with some of my finches. It doesn't seem to be a problem. Some nesting birds even pluck their own bellies when incubating eggs or babies to keep them warmer...this baldness is known as a brooding patch. Anyway, Tucker does sound like the odd man out...however, Bruno just might be a bully. I had to separate 1 of my male societies, as he plucked all 4 of his cagemates! I knew it was him because he was the only one with perfect feathers . Anyway, Tucker might also be a hen that is being aggressively courted by a male that wants to mate/nest. Do you have a nest in their cage?

[Martie]

I like the cardigan sweater analogy! Never thought of it that way - but it's perfect!

That bare spot is called a brood patch and its purpose is to keep eggs exposed to the parents warm bare skin so they stay warm and can develop. In many birds you will notice the brood patch will expand when they are actively breeding - and then get smaller in off seasons.

[Mands]

I have several societies. When the male does his "puffy" dance you can see the "cardigan" thing. He stretches right up and puffs his chest out so it is visible to see the part in the chest. Also, after they have a bath you can see it when they are flapping around drying out. I wouldn't worry too much.

[lchrucker 2]

Thank God. Thank you all so much. There is not currently a nest but I did hang a little measuring cup which they swing on and sleep in. I really appreciate the feedback. I think it's a brood patch like some of you said. Tucker could well be a girl so Bruno and Tucker could be courting. I don't want to separate them if I can help it since I don't have a lot of room for another good sized cage. I also don't want them to get lonely. So far the plucking is minor. Again thank you. I am much relieved. Hadn't heard of a brood patch before.

[lovezebs]

Hmmmmm..... Me thinks me sees another little society girl in your future, and many babies. LOL