Hello

[Eunice]

I am a bird lover and have 2 zebra finches, one is loosing feathers and skin is showing, this is the main reason for finding this wonderful sight. I am a retired publican, and loving the time to myself and my animals, I also have a cat and dog. I hope someone out there can help with the feather problem, I have tryed mite spray and everything is clean. The bird is quite chirpy and bright, has a daily bath and is eating well, thank you all in hope Eunice:help:

[parrotgirl]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b166/parrotgirl/welcome_009.gif


Hi there, just wanted to welcome you to BoF, I'm afraid I don't know anything about zebra finches, but I'm sure that you'll find someone here who will be able to give you some really good advise. Look forward to talking to you soon and seeing pics

[Shirley]

Welcome Eunice!!

http://shirleymorgan.com/misc/BF/em/Welcometothegroup.gif

Is he picking his feathers, or just losing them? Is there another bird with him who is picking his feathers? This is quite common for a mate or another bird to pick another's feathers.

As you said, mites or some other parasite is another reason... are you sure you've ruled this out?

Is he getting some daily chopped veggies along with his seed? This will help his diet and skin in general. Raw chopped veggies, not canned, no salt or additives, just fresh raw chopped -- such as peas, corn, carrots, squash, etc.

Keep us posted... and here's an excellent Zebra Finch site that may prove helpful for you:

http://www.zebrafinch.com/TheBirds.html

:wub:

[Jean]

Hi Eunice! It's nice to meet you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/jeanaskins/welcome%20-%20friendship/daffodilwelcomegreeting.gif to Birds of a Feather!
Shirley gave you some excellent advice. :highfive: I hope you see some improvement in your finches before long.

[Junkzoo]

Welcome to BoF Eunice!
Hope you enjoy your time here with us :wavey:
As to our question on the finches,,and you can see ,Shirley is prob one of this forums more knowlegable ones to offer help,,

Good luck with your lil ones,,,And hope to continue to see you around here!:emot-danc

[Griminsdj]

We had a female cut throat finch when I was young, we lost the male and then the female lost all her head feathers. Just the feathers on her head, she looked like a teeny tiny vulture. LOL My older brother helped change her diet, got her eating yogurt off a toothpick with a flat end, and broccoli florets wedged into the cage bars along with dark leafy greens. Once her diet improved her feathers came back.

I would start with an improved diet and some observation..are they trying to mate? Is she lining her nest? Is one agressively picking at the other? Are they acting itchy all the time?

If you are not sure you might want to just seperate them for a bit and see if the feather condition improves any.

[harleybaby]

Great advice Griminsdj!

Sorry don't know much about finches either but also wanted to give you a great big WELCOME!!!!! :wavey: and hopefully soon you'l be able to get your little back to normal again! Leah

[vmtwriter]

Welcome to the bird forum, Eunice. You've received some good advice, hope it helps. Look forward to seeing you around.