My zebra don't sleep side by side anymore

[antz318]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anybody has an opinion on this.

My zebras always used to sleep next each other at night, but for the past few days, they don't. The female tries to get close to the male but he gets upset and chases her around the aviary before going back in the nest where they would usually sleep together.

I have 3 nests in the aviary, one is unused by them, one is used for sleeping and the other one is where they have been spending most of their days lately.

I don't think the female laid any eggs, but she does spend a lot of time in the nest during the day. When she gets out of the nest, the male goes in and they keep taking turns all day.

But my main concern is why they no longer seem to be getting along at night.

Should I be worried or is this normal behaviour?

[MiaCarter]

I wouldn't be too worried. They go through phases.
As long as nobody gets hurt when they're in a spat chasing each other, I wouldn't be worried.

But it does sound like they may have eggs. That switching off behavior is really characteristic of incubation.

If there are eggs, the male may be feeling a bit possessive. I'd personally pull the eggs if I saw that chasing occurring, as it tends to get worse once the babies hatch.

It can be a sign of a pair that's not well bonded yet. Or a couple that's too young to breed.

[antz318]

I'll make sure to watch them and make sure it doesn't get more aggressive.

Thanks for the reply

[lovezebs]

antz318
I'm thinking eggs as well. Is the nest they're usually sleeping in, the one that they keep going in and out of during the daytime, or is that a different nest? If it's a different nest, then I think maybe the male is trying to chase the female to the egg nest, to sit on the eggs.

Can you check the nest to see if there are eggs in there?

~ELANA~

[antz318]

lovezebs, the nest they sleep in is not the same as the one they go in and out of during the day.

I think you may be right, the male maybe wants to make the female sit on the eggs at night. Tonight my female is staying in the "breeding nest'" and the male is in his usual "sleeping nest"

I tried looking inside the nest today but could not see deep enough to confirm if there are any eggs

[CHIRP]

Well, as a very new "breeder" of Zebraszzzz I maybe don't have the right to comment here on issues like this or to give advise , but as a person who has been through all kinds of things since May 11th, and I have learnt a LOT since then, I MEAN A LOT (thanks to all here).

I will say this;

YES they do go in one place in day and swop and sleep in another place, mine did this every time, once the eggs are laid they then sit in that one spot only, so your Zebs behaviour is correct, mine did the same.

They seem to also have two places.

You I will say have eggs, this is typical behaviour from my experience so far.

Check for eggs.