About two months ago a friend of ours left us with his two zebra finches. One female and the other is male. They are doing allright and nothing seems wrong with them but since Thursday (today is saturday) the male finch is pluckinng the female's feathers. I don't know much about birds and I am trying my hardest to get familiar with them. So what does this behaviour mean? Could you please help me? Thank you very much.
2007-01-12 23:46:04 · 4 answers · asked by yorkican 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Sounds like picking. This could be because they aren't getting enough vitamins or minerals in their diet. I'd give them a supplement and see if it stops.
Read all about finches here. They are cute little birds! http://www.finchworld.com/ztalk.html
2007-01-12 23:54:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's normal behavior for the male to pick his own feathers or for the female to pick her own feathers as part of their nesting ritual. Their nests are usually topped with the soft feathers closest to their bodies. But for the male to be picking at the female is not part of the process.
Zebra finches will often preen or groom their mates. This is especially true if there is a problem with mites or other parasite that is bothering one or both birds. The mate will help the other with areas difficult to reach. I would suggest hanging a mite box on the outside of the cage. These are readily available in any pet shop that caters owners of birds. Directions are easy to follow.
If the male is literally pulling feathers out of the female, it is a sign that there is a mal-nutrition issue. All birds - including zebra finches - need to have grit (not grits) in their cage at all times. You can also crush up some eggshell and put bits of it in a cup in the cage. This will provide them with the calcium and trace minerals that all birds need.
Good luck.
2007-01-13 09:42:56 · answer #2 · answered by north79004487 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Along with the possibility of needing additional nutrients, they also could be bored. Birds need toys. Finches like bells, swings and the peacock feather toys you can purchase in stores.
2007-01-16 14:43:20 · answer #3 · answered by Christie D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My birds do that all the time to each other. They're just being friends. They're grooming each other.
2007-01-16 20:25:08 · answer #4 · answered by Crissy C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋