Now what! Ruffling, fluffing feathers

[queenb]

First the female, then the male strawberry...ruffle their feathers (they are just finishing a molt) frequently...like something is bothering their skin. I regularly treat with SCATT, and recently applied pyrethrum powder, but they are still doing it....oh, and added sulfur to their vitamin regimen...

Anxious to put nesting material back in and want them in best of condition. Any ideas? Many thanks...

[dfcauley]

Are you giving them water for baths each day? My strawberry finches LOVE to bathe and do so about 5-6 times each day.

When they bathe, they will fluff up their feathers to dry and look like little feather balls......

[queenb]

Yes, they have bath water available...but neither are bathing as often as they should (sort of like my 15 year old!)

[L in Ontario]

Since the ruffling is not from bathing, perhaps they are just trying to get their new feathers in place properly. Are they preening themselves just before the ruffling of their feathers?

[Geordie]

Don't worry, after a molt it takes a wee while for them to get comfortable. Riff just finished a molt and is still edgy, keeps fighting with Raff but will be ok in a week or so.

[queenb]

Molting would be a good explanation, thanks for sharing your experiences. She was eggbound two months ago, and I almost lost her. The male, who was then in full breeding plumage, molted (I had pulled her out.) They are both getting new feathers...good call!!! Thanks for the confirmation....

I'm a bit neurotic after her close call!

PS...I have been giving her Calciboost, and she has put some weight on, but her appetite stinks!