Over Preening, help!

[Leel]

As I’ve posted before I recently had to separate my pair of Zebra hens after one of them lost feathers around her eye, ear and head.
After separation they grew back in and I decided to reintroduce the pair. Unfortunately since she has been plucked again. I’m clueless on what to do. The internet isn’t much help all I know is remove the over preener, who is a rescue we’re reluctant to have to keep her alone or to separate them they’re well bonded.
Here a photo of my setup and the plucked finch.

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss35 ... /fi014.jpg
http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss35 ... /fi015.jpg
http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss35 ... /fi017.jpg

[VR1Ton]

Zebbies bond very easily, so removal of the cock or hen & pairing up with another is no problem. You could try adding an extra hen to take some of the attention away from the other.

[casehulsebosch]

Hallo Leel. I have just read all your previous posts on this matter as I am new to this forum. Did you ever try the ivermectin? This can be applied directly to the skin. Just blow some feathers in the neck apart and you can apply a single drop to the skin. You should not need a script for this stuff, and certainly not for a single drop! I buy it by the bucket full as we are on a farm. Maybe another bird friend or contacting a local bird club nearby? Another point of interest is this: should you decide to take ANY bird to a vet, try and collect a stool sample so the vet can examine this while you are there for a consultation. The best way of collecting a stool sample is cleaning out the bottom of your carry or transport cage and applying a layer of glad wrap. Good luck, cheers, Case

[Leel]

VR1Ton I'm afraid we have only the two, any other finch is out of the question
--- edit, could be likely. If it can help fix the issue we might get another finch or two, ofcourse after getting a larger cage.
casehulsebosch, I admit we never tried it. Had a little look around with no luck. I think our local vet can order some in so I'll contact them.
I'd probably see how the treatment goes before any vet visits, they're quite pricy and its hard to convince my parents its actually worth it.
I thank you for the replies

[jusdeb]

Cannot help but be concerned about the ear being so exposed . Celebasy may be the only answer until the flock is built up a bit . I dont know it still looks nasty .

[Leel]

I know, infection is our concern, I might by a larger cheap cage for her, the hospital cage is a general pest.

[Leel]

Quick update, mums not keen on putting so much money and time into them, and feels our recently adopted cockatiels are being neglected.
So we'll adopt out he pair hopefully to a nice big avairy!
Not my prefered choice but I think it'd be good for them.