Hi,

I have three budgies in a separate flight cage and I have noticed that there flight feathers have fallen out, they are not flying well it is like they have been clipped but I have never clipped any wings. Could a bug be doing this or are they fighting with each other?

They are probably molting

But it doesnt look like they are missing any other feathers except for there flight feathers that are the ones on the end of the wings.

Hi A little more info on sex, age, conditions kept in, feed, etc. for a more informed answer...B.J.

They are all females and are kept inside a shed i bring them outside for sunshine often and feed them seed, broccoli and corn. They are all around 11 months old.

But it doesnt look like they are missing any other feathers except for there flight feathers that are the ones on the end of the wings.

 

Did the feathers come out whole, or are they broken? What do the quills of the feathers look like? If you suspect a bug, have you checked them all over for parasites?

 

If it was from fighting, it would not be restricted to the flight feathers. You would expect to see damage around the faces and the feet.

 

Hens can get along fine together, unless there is overcrowding, or competition over a favorite perch, toy, or playmate. (I have experienced two hens fighting each other over a third hen's affections.)

 

Your profile says you have 20 budgies, so you would surely know the signs of molting by now (lots of loose down, the odd loose large feather, pin feathers coming in on the head).

 

Have there been storms or predators lately that could have caused night frights or other disturbances?

 

Several things here to consider, that might shed some light on it for you. Feel free to give us photos, too.

I ended up pulling one of the females out that looked a bit aggressive towards the others, after she was pulled out the feathers started growing back on all the budgies and now they are perfect.

 

Why do you think she was pulling just the flight feathers out?

 

Thanks

They are all females and are kept inside a shed i bring them outside for sunshine often and feed them seed, broccoli and corn. They are all around 11 months old.

 

Hi Lov3r couldn't help but notice your birds diet is a little restricted. They need more variety to ensure

they get all vitamins & minerals they need. Check out the feed posts for more info asap. B.J

I had been thinking along the lines of fighting, but come to think of it, I have seen a lot of times when one bird, and it's usually my hens, will just pull on the tail of another nearby bird, just for the heck of it. Maybe this one just developed a bad habit, where she liked to pull on wings.