When I came home from work today I did my usual check of the birds. I noticed the back of Jewel's head looked a little odd. I was concerned that maybe she had bumped it the other night when they had the night fright. So I brought her out to examine more closely. It looks like she has been plucked there. But it is a spot where she wouldn't be able to reach. Is it possible that one of the other birds is plucking her? Could she be rubbing her head on something? Or is there an illness that causes feather loss in certain areas. I don't see any other spots on her with missing feathers. She is acting fine.

 

If you lift up the other feathers it is probably a spot about 4-5 mm around.

Edited May 4, 200619 yr by Shawna

I would think that maybe she is being plucked by someone. She is pretty young so maybe one of the older birds, I would watch them interact and see who she interacts with. I don't think rubbing would cause it because Pretty is always rubbing his head and so is Merlin.

hmmm. I have no advice to give! I've never come across this before. I'm curious to read what others have to say

She can't reach that spot her self so someone else int he cage is doing this. The top or back of head is a normal attack spot when birds are been picked on or 'put in their place' Make sure there isn't an infection starting. You need to either remove Jewel to recover from the attacks or find the attacker and remove them.

Oh my poor Jewel. I will remove her and keep an eye on the spot closely. Will the same thing happen when I reintroduce her?

 

I wonder if it has something to do with food? Jewel is very possessive of food dishes when she gets in them. Would that trigger someone pecking at her?

Yeah it could and could mean it's related to nesting/breeding, The males can get a bit agro in their courtship behaviour sometimes.

I moved Jewel in with Max. I know that he was not finished his quarantine, but the other budgies were definately picking on her. I felt she was more at risk from them, than from him. I came in and found a big hunk of white feathers on the floor. There were risks to her either way.

 

So far Max and Jewel are getting along well. I think he is so glad to have some company, and she is glad not to be picked on.

 

Things are quieter at sleep time too. I think that she was not getting along with Tweety. They are definately two strong females. I may have to keep them apart indefinately, or at least during this crazy hormonal time.

She isnt part Lutino is she? I know in tiels Lutinos have a bald spot on the back of their heads and my pied who is part Lutino has this too - I just didn't know whether this was applicable in budgies aswell.

 

Oh just read the above I guess my theory doesnt count hehe!

Edited May 11, 200619 yr by Boomberry

im glad you figured out the problem. i bet your new birdie does love the company!