To bald or not to bald

[SamDavis]

This is part of a collaborative research project with Sarah Pryke and Charles Sturt University.
The results are not through yet but should be very interesting.

Great to hear! Does the condition also occur in wild gouldians? And do you want my 3 baldy cocks to experiment on?

Many also have secondary skin infections eg fungal.

Interesting. In all cases I've experienced the feathers grow back perfectly during the annual molt which led me to believe infection (fungal or otherwise) would be an insignificant factor. However, maybe the condition is present in other species but they grow back the feathers immediately so it's not obvious whereas gouldians only replace the feathers during the annual molt hence there's a whole year worth of feather loss for us to observe.

[finchbreeder]

I've noticed this occassional baldness in both Goudians and Zebs. With Gouldians it seems most common in breeding hens (age irrelavant) and in Zebs either sex but over 2yrs old. Puzzling, as in all cases the birds they share an avairy and conditions with do not have the same problems.
LML

[Brooksy]

Interesting. In all cases I've experienced the feathers grow back perfectly during the annual molt which led me to believe infection (fungal or otherwise) would be an insignificant factor. However, maybe the condition is present in other species but they grow back the feathers immediately so it's not obvious whereas gouldians only replace the feathers during the annual molt hence there's a whole year worth of feather loss for us to observe.[/quote]

This is the case with my RH hen after the annual molt she comes back in perfect feather with no other signs. Thanks for all the responses

[Myzomela]

I will definitely post the findings on AFF.