Missing Feathers

[dannyboy]

I have a big flight cage with zebra finches and a society finches. I have notice that several of my zebras are missing feathers, every one seems to be energetic and healthy. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas why a handful of my birds are missing feathers and some possible solutions?

[Sally]

The most common reason for missing feathers is plucking, either by other birds or even by the bird itself. They are usually plucking for nesting material, though some birds just pluck out of boredom. Do they have nests/nesting materials? You may need to separate the ones that are plucked till they grow back their feathers. They will need high protein to grow feathers, so egg food would provide that.

Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier for members to direct you to places to buy supplements, etc.

[cindy]

where are they missing feathers, if several are missing feathers on the back, neck and sides it is like Sally mentioned...plucking.

if missing feathers around the eyes and face it could be for other reasons like internal and external parasites. mites, pararsites not mites, trichomonas, giardia, bacteria, fungal.... can cause birds to loose feathers around the face.