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.