my m/f pair of zebra finches keeps yanking out each other's feathers. is there anything i can do to discourage them from plucking each other??? they are healthy otherwise, and recently raised two beautiful chicks. (the babies are now with new homes.)
thanks for any advice!
~molly~
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HELP! feather pulling
MollyBrook226
Mar 18, 2004 10:18 AM
Replies (2)
MollyBrook226
Mar 18, 2004 10:31 AM
i should also add that they have plenty of nesting materials (and several different kinds), so i don't think the feather pulling is due to nesting behavior.
gurkybird
Mar 19, 2004 01:08 PM
I raise zebras and societies and have experienced this behavior with mine.Some birds develop this bad habit and it becomes a vice.It really has nothing to do with nesting.I usually separate them with a breeder cage that has a wire partition so they still see each other and cant pluck each other till the feathers grow back, then reunite and if they continue you may have to accept the fact that it may never stop.It can help to put special "preening toys" in the cage made of sisal and feathers to get their attention shifted.It is usually boredom related but sometimes is an overzealous male picking on an uncooperative female, she will be bald on the neck and back if that is the case.Too much overcrowding like in pet stores always results in tailless bald butts on birds.
