Does anyone know about Zebra Finches?
By thedogshrink
@thedogshrink (1266)
United States
November 26, 2008 11:20pm CST
I have two zebra finches who have 3 babies. The babies are fully feathered, but must be just barely starting to fly because tonight is the first time they've left the nest -- I wasn't even sure how many there were.
One made it out of the nest, but is hanging in the big box on the bottom of the cage and so I don't think she can really fly yet.
So, the problem is that as of today, the mom is missing a lot of feathers on her chest, neck area. She seems healthy otherwise, but I can't figure out why she's lost so many feathers so suddenly. Since the babies are just starting to fly it seems thy are too young to be attacking Mom, or for Dad to be trying to get rid of mom in favor of one of the babies. I don't know what to think. Do they molt after having babies?
1 person likes this
1 response
@newzealtralian (3930)
• Australia
28 Jun 09
Having just had our first brood leave the nest, I can say it takes a couple of days for the babies to get used to flying. Try putting a perch close to the nest box so they can get back in by themselves. As their confidence grows, they will hop in and out just like the parents.
As for the molting, the parents might already be feathering the nest for the next batch. It seems they are non stop breeders and as soon as one clutch is about to leave the nest, the next lot are already being planned!
