Recently we purchased a gray female to accompany our male that has
been in the family for 8 years. They were a bit shaky at first, but have
since grown inseparable. My question concerns our new female, from below her
crest to her upper back we have noticed a loss of feathers and a bald spot.
At first we figured it was because she was young and it would fill in, but
it hasn't. Should we be worried?
Alicia O.
Alicia,
Sometimes when a pair of cockatiels are ready to breed they will begin
plucking each other. If the plucking gets too bad, you may have to separate
the pair or furnish them with a nest box. Be sure, though, that your hen is
at least 12 to 18 months old before you allow them to begin raising babies.
Should the loss of feathers become too severe, a checkup by an avian vet
may also be in order.