baby picking fiend!

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. 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, plenty of out-of-cage time, and plenty of room to roam. I took the parents and gave them a long, warm shower... 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
This happens more than you think.  Usually it self resolves when the chicks are older and start relying less on the parents for grooming; however, you need to also be sure it's not a matter of a deficiency.

Many times this is the result of a calcium deficiency - so be sure there's plenty of cuttlebone, mineral block and of course fresh, high calcium foods.

 Sometimes it's worth pulling the chicks (if they're old enough) and finishing with hand feeding.  

 Of course getting a health check for them (all) with a crop & vent swab with blood chemistry is always suggested.  I have our girls done twice a year just for the peace of mind.  

 Take a look at them and more about feather plucking possibilities and modifications here   www.4AnimalCare.org