FINCHforum

I have a pair of Strawberries who have been together for more than a year. They have their very own cage, (no other birds) they have been husband & wife always sitting together and peaceful. For the last week or so the female has been aggressive to the male, chasing him away, I would understand this behavior if there was a nest in the cage, or eggs, or babies, but I have none of the above....this behavior happens during the day, at night they sit together...Im stumped ! any ideas?

She could be coming into breeding condition, and she may get aggressive to the male because she wants him to build a nest and mate with her. Hens can become fairly aggressive when in breeding condition.

I never thought of that... I love all my birds but I never wanted to breed them, I practice birdy birth control, there are no nests.

Even without nests/nesting materials/high-protein foods, hens can come into breeding condition, especially the less domesticated and/or imported birds, which still may come into breeding condition following the cycle in their native lands.

lisamariebrom

I second what Sally said.
Your girl wants to start a family, and she's expecting your boy to provide propper housing and a nursery for her and their children.

You might start finding random eggs in seed dishes, or on the flight floor.

I agree with Sally and Elana - this is the time they start nesting. My strawberries are sitting on eggs (should hatch some time this week if all goes well). Out of curiosity, why don't you want them to breed? We could use some more captive-bred strawberries here in CA. Maybe swap babies later to bring in new blood lines...
They are lovely birds, aren't they?
Iso

Hi Iso,
Yes they are lovely birds, my favorite in fact. I don't breed any of my birds because the thought of losing a baby bird would break my heart, I get incredibly sad when a bird I have passes, but I think I would be so worried if the babies hatched and the parents didn't take care of them

I have kept finches for many years, but never bred any of them, I wouldn't even know what nesting materials to give them, or special food while they were raising their young. I am happy keeping them, enjoying their song, and giving them the best care I can offer. Baby birds are just a step I never wanted to take, but I admire everyone who does.

lisamariebrom - Hi, I know what you mean about losing baby birds. But you know, my strawberries are really good and very dedicated parents (and so was the pair I had before them). I have some natural branches in my aviary and offer lots of coconut fiber, some grasses, white feathers and such as nesting material and they do all the rest. The males build beautiful closed nests in the branches and line them with white feathers. My strawberries incubate very reliably and feed well. My first pair was wild-caught and they needed lots of mini mealworms to feed their babies. This pair feeds lots of cucumber, lettuce, seeds and some mealworms to their kids. How long have you had your pair? And do you know if they were imported, meaning wild-caught, or captive-bred? When a pair raises two or three young ones, it is one of the most rewarding experiences keeping birds. Good luck,
Iso

hi Iso
I have had my pair for about a year, I bought them from the bird mart, from a seller in Az, I have no idea if they are wild caught but I would tend to say they were not.

Where do you get the white feathers from? How big are the feathers?


Lisa

Hi Lisa - sorry it's taken me so long to respond. I've been too busy what with the weeds growing like they were fertilized and lots of clean up in the flowerbeds. As for the white feathers: I have an old pillow that I opened up a tiny bit in one corner. I use tweezers to pull out bunches which I then keep in a (tightly closed) Ziploc bag. Just throw some on the floor of my aviary and my strawberries (and my fire finch, too) just pick out whatever suits them.
BTW, has your female settled down?
Iso

Hi Iso,
Yes she finally settled down, thankfully!
What a great idea for the feathers, maybe I might give it a try
Thank you for all your help and great ideas!
I love to look on youtube and see how other people set up their cages, I'm always learning.

Lisa

Hi Lisa - yesterday I tried attaching a photo I took of the first nest my strawberries ever built (really cool!), but somehow it was too big and wouldn't post. I'll have to see if my son can resize it for me... I'm somewhat challenged when it comes to these things.
Iso

lisamariebrom
Hi. As you can see from my signature I have quite a few finches. I started about 4 years ago. I have wanted to allow breeding but have not for the same reasons you mentioned.

This spring I decided to let a pair of zebras have a clutch. Lots of sites recommended zebras/societies as a good place to start. My parents successfully hatched and raised two chicks! I am still a little hesitant but am going to try with some other birds this spiring. Perhaps you may want to try a first clutch with something a little easier than strawberries to get started as well. It was a very wonderful experience. You will be AMAZED at just how fast the chicks grow!

Thank you Mary, good to know, I love my birds but never crossed into breeding, it is something to think about, your suggestion sounds good.


Thank you,
Lisa