Male Zebra Losing Feathers

[blakez]

Just when the male has his wings up as he is scratching or something, I have noticed that he is missing some feathers on his back. When his wings are in place, it can't be noticed. I was thinking before that maybe he was using some of his own feathers to create a nest as the female is laying right now so I can him some nesting material. Now unless I just caught him at a bad time, he seems to be scratching around his body more than usual. Is it possible that just one of 2 birds could have bugs, or some other issue? They did come from separate cages at the shop but they have been together for nearly a month now.

[Finchgirl]

Yes, the male could have feather mites, but his mate could also be plucking him.