FINCHforum

Hi, all. I have two male zebra finches in a large flight cage that they have lived in for over a year together peacefully. My one male, Huxley, is a normal grey, and Albert, is a pied grey. Albert also has a slight handicap - due to an injury, he only has one foot, but he gets around remarkably well, and oftentimes people don't even notice he only has one foot, as he has adapted so well.

These two have lived together for over a year and always gotten along great; preening and even 'mating' together. They are always in close contact and have a nest they share.

Recently, within the past month, Huxley has started chasing Albert around the cage growling. Tonight it got bad and Huxley attacked Albert, removing a large chunk of feathers from the back of Albert's head/neck area.

Albert is fine, and is in a smaller cage right now with a low perch, millet, and water as well as some seeds so we can watch him and allow him to rest.

Any idea why Huxley would suddenly attack? I don't think it is because of Albert's disability, as it happened long before he met Huxley, and Huxley has never bugged him before. Nothing has changed recently, they get 8-10 hours of sleep a night and have frequent baths and have a diet of pellets, seed, and veggies.

Could it just be that it is that time of year and Huxley is territorial right now? Would removing the nest help?

Sorry for the long post, but any help would be appreciated.

I haven't had my 2 Zebra males for all that long and they have gotten along fine...so far. Maybe yours are feeling the breeding urge and getting territorial.

Many others here have Zebras and will come along and give you their thoughts....hang in there!

Wow, i dont what to say to that. I would probably take the nest out and see how that goes or maybe there ready to go there seperate ways and find a female to breed with. I really dont know i have all my zebras in a huge flight cage.

It's possible with hormones in full fling the dominant bird is treating the other like a hen and when the response isn't forthcoming is reacting with frustration and violence.Removal of the nest might help.Put them on a plain seed diet for a while to slow down the breeding instinct.
Paul.