Disease or Cannibalism?

Question

My 10 week old female Quail is losing the feathers from the top of her head. She is in a pen with 4 other Quails. I have hay, small pens for them to hide in, plenty of food and water and a few apples for them to peck on. She's too young to mate and the others are young also. Could this be a disease or cannibalism?

Answer 1

if its the others picking on her then she is probally at the bottom of the "pecking order" either that or its a male and maybe u have another male they will do that to eachother. she could even be rubbing her head on something. check her for mites or any bugs. there is a chance shes sick but i dout it. you could always call a vet. that might be good to do anyways

Answer 2

Blading of birds signify lesser genetic status...

Answer 3

its would be naturalism.....birds loose feathers all the time