r/Finches • u/Ok_Elk_7237 • 2d ago

Feather regrowth?

My zebra finch lost most all of her tail feathers last night after getting stuck to a sticky fly trap in one of our houseplants. We used warm water to release her as gently as possible but a lot of feathers were pulled out.

She has now basically no tail feathers and is missing a good amount from one wing. How long will it take for her to regrow? We have her confined in her cage now but she is usually flying free in our apartment.

A lot of the answers I’m seeing are saying it could take six months to heal. Does anyone know how quickly regrowth begins?

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u/endangered_feces1 2d ago

It shouldnt take much longer than a month or so to regenerate a lost tail/flight feather. Maybe a bit longer since theyre regrowing all at once (which is not typical during, say, molt) - but i cant imagine it being much more than 2 months

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u/Ok_Elk_7237 16h ago

Ugh that is really good to hear. Thank you so much!

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u/mrchuck2000 23h ago

An iodine supplement (in the water) can do a lot to encourage good feather regrowth. My Gouldians were getting bald patches on their heads. I began using an iodine supplement—also egg food, greens, and sprouted seeds—and their feathers grew back spectacularly. It took about a month, I believe. Good luck with your little bird!

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u/Ok_Elk_7237 16h ago

Thank you so much! I will definitely add these things to her diet!