Aussie Finch Forum

Hi,

I have a bit of a dilemma with my female Blue-Faced Parrot Finch. She has been rapidly losing feathers on her head and tail, and now has a bald head and only one distinctive tail feather. This has not happened to any of the other birds in this aviary. She previously lost feathers like this a few months back, but regenerated them quickly. What is going on and should I be worried and contact an avian vet?

Thanks

Is the cock showing her a great deal of attention?
LML

it's either mites or someone pulling them out.

maybe treat all the birds with ivermectin and monitor the other birds to make sure they are pulling her feathers out.

It is the over amorous cock bird. Blue face mate by hanging onto the neck feathers of the hen while copulating. The tail feathers could be a result of this also but also it could be moulting. Craig

The cock and hen do eat and sit together, but the cock is not showing a great deal of attention. I have not seen any other birds or herself picking at her feathers either.

All i can say is it's a very common trait with blue face cock birds,they are rapists and rarely do this if they know you are watching.

You should always try to have an extra hen or two in the aviary with BFPF's if possible. This will allow the cock to chase and mate with a few, rather than paying too much attention to one poor mate. Good luck.