Some Causes Of Feather Loss

Feather Loss:

Stress:

The most common cause of feather loss in finches is stress.

Is there another bird that is harassing him or her? If so, then separating may help. Rivalry can particularly occur during the breeding season.

Other than external factors, it could also be malnutrition that is causing stress on a bird’s system. The recommendations then are to improve diet (a good quality dry finch mix, egg food, such as mashed boiled egg with the shell, grated carrots, greens like cucumber, cabbage, and herbs.
increase sunlight exposure (to naturally increase Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin)

Parasites:

If several birds were losing feathers, one would suspect a possible worm and/or protozoal infections, which would need to be treated. Less likely if it’s only one finch.


Iodine deficiency:

Particularly common in Australian finches, but not exclusively so. Iodine is required for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency can result in poor feather condition, difficulty molting, breathing and infertility problems. Particularly Australian finches (such as Gouldian’s) have a higher requirement for iodine. Iodine can be provided by adding grated cuttlebone on their greens, sprouted seed or egg food supplements. Oyster shell is another great source of iodine. If natural food sources are not enough, then the next step would be to supplement with Liquid Iodine, Natra-Kelp or Powder Kelp. However, natural food sources are always safest and should be fed first, before using supplements. Balding pattern in most cases on the head. If after 3 weeks of supplementing the feathers are not coming back, iodine deficiency is not the cause.


Hormonal / Breeding: Feather loss can also be caused by hormonal problems in hens or breeding birds out of season.

Feather Loss from Head- Feather mites or aggression by other birds in its environment.


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