Finch is pecking other finch?

Question

So I have had two finches, male and female, for a while. They've been inseparable mates and have gotten along fine until a few minutes ago. I just discovered that he's been pecking at her head and removing feathers. I've separated them for now, but I'd like to know if anyone knew why he's become hostile?

Answer 1

Are these the cordon's or another pair?

The males can sometimes become a bit of an a$$ if the female stops being receptive to mating.

I usually keep my males and females separate unless I'm breeding them.  Just because the males can (and do) become frustrated if the female starts rejecting them for whatever reason.

Even if you only separate them enough for her feathers to grow back - you can always try reintroducing them at a later time and may not have any problems.

I have one particular gouldian male who is ornery when he's horny - and on my trip up to NJ (when I moved from Florida) he plucked nearly every single feather off the head of one of my poor juvenile hens who wanted nothing to do with him.

They grew back (it has only been about 3 months - they replace them pretty darn fast if they have the right diet; you can also try getting something called Feather Fast from MorningBird), but she was a sad sight for the first couple.

Answer 2

Could be a territorial issue.  I don't know what kind of finches you have, but I have zebras and they are very territorial.  Good that you separated them.  My two males are in separate cages.  They used to fight but are doing fine now.