Is this dominance behavior?

[ellen7]

I've had George and Jack (Societies) for a couple of months now. I've been enjoying their silly antics, singing...you know, typical Society behavior. The last couple of weeks though, George who is slightly larger, has been the instigator. He'll fly over to Jack, tower of him, and they go at it, beak to beak. The last 2 days though, I've noticed George bugging Jack so much that he'll force him off the perch and when he is pecking at him, Jack is cowering. Jack pecks back a bit but not as much as George. This happens several times a day.

When they aren't in the middle of it, they fly and sing. George has Jack preen him around the neck and at least once a day, they will huddle together and take a nap. Like clockwork just past 7pm, they are in their nest together ready to call it a day.

Is this typical dominance behavior by George? When do I start getting worried that Jack might be in trouble? George's actions seemed to have gone up a degree pertaining to pecking and bothering Jack. How long will this go on?

I'm planning on adding silk greenery in their cage (it's 30x18x18). Do you think I should look for another pair of males so that it makes 4?

[lovezebs]

ellen7

It sounds more like George is being a bit of a bully.
If I were you I'd add greenery and 2 more Socies. With two more, they become a small flock and George will have his hands full trying to bully everyone.

[ellen7]

I think George is a bit of a bully too

Is the standard time for quarantine 30 days before I add 2 more Socies in with George & Jack?

[ellen7]

Jack is now freaking out, making this weird harsh chirp sound. I think George did something to him but I had just looked away and missed it. I don't know if poor Jack can wait 30 days for 2 more Socies to join him. Should I separate George and Jack in 2 cages while quarantining 2 new Socies in their own cage?

[GouldianGuy]

Safest to separate

[lovezebs]

ellen7

I would agree.
If there is something going on between these two, then I would give them a break from one another.

I would also give Jack the once over to make sure he's not missing any body parts i.e. toes, claws, large feathers, etc. No blood and guts and or open wounds.

I think Georgie boy needs some time with some of my tougher boys.... Diamond finch, Cutthroat, Shafttails....or even some of my Zebras would do

Putting him in with my sex crazed Parrot Finch, would bring him back with his tail between his legs.... he might even lay an egg after the visit, lol.

[Babs _Owner]

ellen7

You can also throw some tommy hay on the cage floor and keep them busy nest building together to relieve the tension and boredom.

[ellen7]

Good ideas. I'm willing to try anything.

I just got back home and bought a small cage in case I have to separate those two. Also bought some silk greenery.

Do you think George should be the one to go into the smaller cage? I was thinking along that line. Do you think I should add 1 or 2 other type of finches and not 2 more Socies and if so, which kind?

I'm just about the clean their cage, add the greenery, and see what happens.

[ellen7]

I tried Tommy hay for a week not too long ago but they didn't take to it. Even George, the one who is always scoping out first what's in the dishes and cups, didn't do anything with the hay.

I just shredded a paper towel in strips. Both of them are interested in it, picking it up, flying up to their nest but not quite placing it in the nest. Then the paper drops. Their wings put out so much air that most of the paper shreds are in the tray, under the grate. How do I prevent the paper strips from falling through the grate due to the air they whip up?

(I'm sitting here, watching them and just now George put a piece of the paper in the seed dish and Jack took it out, placing it in the nest. George just put his first paper shred in the nest too. Maybe they're catching on?) Hmm... maybe George or both were bored before? Still a newbie, I am.

[Babs _Owner]

ellen7

Society males never tire of nest building. When they have gathered it up, scoop it out of the nest and throw it back on the cage floor. They will do it again and again.

Stuff it in cubbies, toilet paper rolls and make it more difficult for them to get at it. Creates some challenge and stimulates their minds.

[ellen7]

Thanks Babs.

They haven't gotten the hang of leaving it in the nest yet. I thought they did but alas no. And that's okay! It's fun to watch...lol. I'll start some things to stuff the towel shreds in. George has only picked on Jack twice in the last few hours so it's a start. I'm really hoping I don't have to separate.

Still thinking about getting more Societies though. How many should I consider and although I have a 30x18x18 cage, will that number be too much for the cage? I like how Societies cuddle so maybe I could make it work? I can look for another cage if need be.

[Babs _Owner]

ellen7

Like Elana mentioned, if you get two more make sure they are boys.

They are love-birdies, but if you have 3 boys and a female, the 3 males will compete for her.

Can't push your luck even with this most docile of species. I wouldnt get more than 2 more males for that space. They will pair bond regardless of gender.

All male society cages are much fun.

[ellen7]

I agree. 2 more boys would be good. I just read an article on the Finch Information Center link and the writer suggested 6+ Societies in one cage? I can buy a bigger cage (yay get to buy more birdies!). I know where the link is to find how many birds can live in a certain sized cage by inputting the measurements but I'm more interested in finding out the size of cage I should be looking at for 6+.

Any thoughts on the size of cage for that many birdies?

[ellen7]

The bullying has gotten worse. Not "blood and ripping out feathers" worse, but worse. George doesn't flinch anymore when I walk up to the cage and raise my voice towards him. I'm sad and stressed on not knowing what I should do

The 12 finch flock idea may not work out afterall (see other post).