parents plucking babies

Question
Well, I never thought that this would happen to me. I have quite a bit of experience in birds, and a lot of knowledge about these kinds of things, but I have to admit, I am pretty baffled.

I currently own a pair of lovebirds, and they just had their first clutch around St. Patricks Day this year. They have always been hardy, well-behaved, sweet birds and have never had any history of feather plucking. I have had them for about a year and a half, and they are about two years old. I have actually been very surprised at how well they have been handeling with the babies- they are only protective of their nest, and are as sweet and handleable as ever when they are away from it.
But just last night, we noticed that the father had a very small bald patch just below his neck on his right side. We thought it might have been the mother, as she seems to be irratated at him because he is beginning to help feed the babies and refusing to regurgitate for her. But today, when we took the babies out, we noticed that all of them have been plucked bald on their backs. (They each had two little rows of feathers just coming in on their backs.) The feathers were there yesterday, but when we came home from work today they were gone. I observed them and caught the father picking at teh babies. I am so baffled! Because it seems that if the problem was caused by an infection, the father would have no reason to pluck the babies. They get plenty of fresh foods, and are on zupreem "garden blend" pellets and recieve small portions of seed, plenty of out-of-cage time, and plenty of room to roam. I took the parents and gave them a long, warm shower today... then as soon as he was dry he went down and started bothering the babies again. I am considering making bras for the babies to keep dad from plucking them, but I noticed small bald patches on their wings as well. I am really hoping to be able to fix it without seperation of the birds, but I just can't think of many other options!

Dad's bald spot has not grown and he doesn't seem to be picking at it any more. He seems more interested in the babies.

Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated!

Thank you,
Rachelle

Answer
Hi, Rachelle,

Based on your post, I would remove these hatchlings right away and start handfeeding them.  The parents are doing this to the babies and it might result in them injuring the babies or even killing them.  The parents might just be overpreening their babies, but I wouldn't take the chance.  I would need further details from you about the situation, but based on my 18+ years of breeding experience, these situations usually only get worse.  It might be that the parents are ready to start a new clutch and want the babies out of the nesting box or perhaps they are too stressed if this is a big clutch or other (which is why I would need further details).  However, in order for these babies to be safe, you should remove them completely from the parents and start handfeeding them yourself.

Bras for the babies will either be removed by the babies or by the parents.

At 4 weeks of age, they are ready to start weaning, too.   

Chrys