Problems With Finches' Feathers

Finches are from the Fringillidae family of birds. They are generally small and include familiar species such as the sparrows, cardinals and canaries, as well as less common birds like the grosbeaks and the gouldian finches. Finches have small, fat, short beaks suited for cracking open seeds. Though some finches are wild, others are domesticated and live as pets in the homes of families. There are several problems that can affect the feathers of finches and their overall health when they are domesticated or held in captivity.

  1. Stress and Behavior

    • Finches are very territorial birds. If they are breeding or are trying to express dominance over their territory, they may be self-plucking. This behavior occurs when finches use their beaks to pull out their own feathers. Also, when the birds are stressed, they express these feelings by pulling out their feathers or by shedding. This results in balding and, at times, more serious health problems.

    Parasites and Skin Disease

    • Parasites are organisms that feed off of others to find nutrients and food necessary for survival. Feather mites, lice or canary mites may be causes for feather molting, balding and self-plucking. Because the parasites often irritate the skin and draw out important nutrients, the feathers become unhealthy and fall or are plucked out due to discomfort. Other skin ailments, like rashes and scabs, may irritate the skin and cause finches to remove their feathers.

    Lighting and Living Spaces

    • Finches must have the right lighting in their cages to metabolize and digest their food properly. If the lighting is off balance, finches will not obtain the right amount of dietary nutrients and their feathers may molt. Also, cramming too many finches or into one cage or putting a finch into a cage that is too small will cause the birds to pluck their own feathers.

    Diet

    • Finches need higher levels of iodine in their diets than some other birds. In captivity, some finches become iodine deficient. Iodine allows the finches' thyroid glands to function and without the mineral, their thyroid glands become unhealthy. Because their thyroid glands influence feather production, the birds may molt due to its malfunction. Iodine supplements may need to be added to seed and water in order for finches to maintain and regulate healthy iodine intake and thyroid production.