Cuban feather loss

[Redwing]

I have a pair of Cubans who have been together in a mixed aviary now for about 3 years and noticed the other day that they both have feathers missing on the backs of their heads and neck. The female has more missing than the male. There have been no signs of aggression and the male is not chasing the female. Thought they were nesting a few weeks age but it's hard to tell with them as they seem to constantly be building or renovating nests. Can only assume they are doing this to each other. Any ideas why and whatI need to do?

[vettepilot_6]

Could be a heavy moult or mutual feather plucking?

[Tiaris]

Given it is on the back of neck & head it is most likely from allopreening rather than moult.

[iva]

My Gouldian lost feathers from his belly, it was Airsac mite. I treated with Ivermectrin and feathers grew back.

[Tiaris]

losing feathers is not likely to be air sac mite - more likely feather mites.

[Tiaris]

Cubans have a very strong pair bond & regularly allopreen the neck/head area to reinforce that bond.

[Redwing]

they constantly preen each other but have never lost feathers before. Do I need to do anything or just leave them?

[Tiaris]

The only thing I could suggest is to separate them temporarily, but that would cause them more stress than having plucked feathers I reckon.

[Craig52]

Cubans have a very strong pair bond & regularly allopreen the neck/head area to reinforce that bond.

Agree,try giving them copious amounts of feathers to keep them busy building nests,they may settle into breeding mode. Craig

[Redwing]

Thanks everyone.I will give them more feathers, but thought it was starting to get a bit cool for them to want to breed.