We have 5 chicks, 3 weeks old, in the last 48 hours the female has started plucking out their feathers. This is hurting the liitle dears and their skin is raw. What can we do ? She did it to the first clutch (3) so we pulled them out and successfully hand fed them, but it was a big job and will be harder with 5. You suggest lanolin oil may help ? I've tried chemists and health food stores but can't get it. Does it need to be oil, could it be cream, or a different type of oil ? Any advice would be very gratefully received, the situation is distressing for all concerned.....

Hi Deb,
There's nothing more distressing than seeing young birds being plucked, I fully understand your concerns. I use the cream also Deb but apply it thinly and make sure it's rubbed in. Purchasing the lanolin cream is relatively easy and most large stores will have it in stock, good luck.
Gordon.

I had left my babies with the parents a bit too long this time, and I noticed one of the parents pulling feathers out also. Why do they do this?

I also want to say I have a pure yellow one with red eyes, the other two are greener than the parents.

Hi bern,
There's a lot of different reasons for these actions but really when it happens we need to try and stop it, then understand it. Yes sounds like the parents wanted the chicks to leave in your case, "pure yellow with red eyes" Lutino well done.
Gordon.

Hi,

I have had this problem with plucking and someone suggested that more nesting material should be made available. It seemed to make a difference.
Cheers kali.