Now the MOTHER is plucking the juvenile chicks!!!

[Corkysgirl]

I don't know what to do. Really, I'm a little worn out. I've feel like I'm playing musical chairs but with birds. The father was plucking the mother of his three chicks (except one of them might be from another female...but I removed her). I took him out, had to put him back because she was thin and weak from feeding. I took him out again...after trying to incorporate him a few times with her....but he started pulling out all the back feathers of he weakest chick. Now one of the chicks is still crying for food at 6 weeks....as a side point. I just went in and one of the chicks had NO back feathers. Then I saw her pecking at the backs of all the other chicks. I don't think it's a vitamin deficiency. They're on Hearty Bird vitamins, iodine, F-vite, great seed, parsley flakes, Herb Salad, greens mostly for vegetables, boiled eggs with shells, apple sauce and squash...oh and the bee pollen royal jelly powder. I have no other cages to put her in except back with her abusive mate. Any one have any ideas?

[Ginene]

Momma may be ready to nest again...Is there a nest in the cage???

[Corkysgirl]

Yes, they all sleep in it....mother and babies. I may have to take him out of the room....though I'm not sure where I'd put him. Bathroom?

[Corkysgirl]

I took the mother out and put her back with her mate. They are on the dining room table. My husband is a little taken a back...and they aren't too amused either. That leaves the 3 chicks alone in the cage. The screaming juvenile will have to eat on his own. He screamed less today. I really think he is old enough to eat on his own and just doesn't believe it. Now he will have no choice. I'm not sure what I will do, but out here I can watch if he plucks her again. They have no nest so they probably won't mate. Maybe that will help. The cage is also to small for them. It's not the best situation. But for now, until I see what the juveniles all turn out to be, these 3 and my other 4. Then I can make decisions about who goes with who.