Zebra bullying.

[Twinmom0804]

To start off, I wanted to say I am on the search for a bigger cage. . I originally got 2 zebras. Was told my cage could hold 3 or 4 finches comfortable. So I decided to get a third one, not knowing of the "third one out" problem. Went to a different store, and all they had were female zebras, and I did not want a female. So I decided to try my luck with a society finch. Had not aggression or bullying problems at all with the zebras towards the society, in fact, they pretty much ignored him. So then I felt sorry for the society. Decided to get a mate for the society. Went to the same store and got one the it was housed with originally. Got home and changed out the perches and moved things around before I introduced the second society. Well, no aggression with the zebras, but at first they were actually keeping the two societies apart. They finally got together, but now the zebras are keeping them in a corner on top of a nest house. Every time one of the societies tries to go somewhere else, the zebras kind of push it back in the corner. Still no aggression or feather plucking, just bullying. Will this eventually get better? Or will it get worse? Like I said, I am looking for a bigger cage, but I really have no place to put two cages. Any help is appreciated!!
Thanks a bunch!

[Harley2013]

I think if you are housing 4 birds in the same small cage, that's the issue. Zebras can be territorial, pushy, and bossy on a good day, let alone a smaller cage with another species. Not to mention the 4 of them are probably stressed out. Societies are more of a passive finch but have seen and heard of them being housed together, providing they have adequate room. Personally, I think they will probably be okay as long as this is a very temporary cage problem.

[Corkysgirl]

Hmmm interesting! I wonder if they are protecting the society they bonded with and now you added an intruder. You said they were keeping them apart. They managed to get together and now they're cornering them. It most likely is the cage is too small but it could have started by the intruder mentality. A bigger cage will probably solve the problem. Zebras usually get along with societies. If you change cages, I would put some plants in, artificial is fine. It helps break things up. Mine will hide behind them when they want to get out of the way of aggressive birds. Between them and the larger cage, it should be fine.

[Twinmom0804]

Update: They are all doing much better!m Last night they were ALL huddled together on top of the nest. This morning they are all chirping and running around the cage like crazy. Thanks so much for the replies. I am still hunting for a bigger cage. Saw some on Walmart website, hopefully can get soon. Now my biggest problem is keeping our dog away from them.

[Harley2013]

I'm glad to hear they are a little more settled this morning. I understand about the dog. Lol! Our Yorkie is curious about everything! But he has learned since day one that the finches are a NO NO! Lol! He is a rat dog, so any animal that is mouse size and moves quickly raises his curiosity. My son had a hamster years ago, and it ran around the house in a hamster ball, well....... You would think that dog knew how to play soccer. He kicked that ball around the first time he saw it and that hamster got the ride of his life. He wasn't hurt and did live to another day, but was a lesson.

[Corkysgirl]

That's good to hear they're doing better. We have a herding breed dog. She either wants to herd my birds or thinks they are something good to snack on. I think she would probably chomp one if given the chance.

[MiaCarter]

Twinmom0804 --- So happy to hear they're doing better!
What you described sounded a lot like getting-to-know-you-ness, but a bigger cage will definitely be appreciated, I'm sure!
Zebs are super pushy; even more so in a small space. But at least they're not being nasty. From what you described, it sounded like they were pushy, but not aggressive and nippy, which is always a good thing.

Harley2013 -- That's funny about your dog!

We've had tons of rats over the years. I just love them. We had those giant rat-sized hamster balls and I don't know if you know about rats, but they're super curious. So they would try to walk up to the dogs and cats, who were simply horrified by this creature in a bubble! Ultimately, it turned into a situation where the rats would chase the cats and dogs. If the rats could talk, you could tell they would have been yelling "Hey you! Big furry creature! Get over here! I want to check you out!....Maybe nibble on your toe a bit. Come baaaack!..."

Fortunately, my dogs pretty much ignore the birds, with the exception of my Min Pin, but she's not a bother (thank goodness, as Min Pins are also ratters and they can be super determined!) She was rescued from a puppy mill and had likely never set foot outdoors before her rescue. She was absolutely amazed by all things outdoorsy and natural.
She literally spends hours sitting and watching the birds and when she's not watching my birds, she's sitting in the window watching them outdoors! It's super cute.

[Twinmom0804]

Too funny everyone! Ever since our Riley was a pup, he has chased the birds outside and basically anything that flies. So he is very curious whenever they fly around in their cage. And every time I talk to the birds, he will run up.....I think he is jealous!!

Update.....all the birds are going great!! Getting along VERY well. My Societies have taken over the nest inside and the zebras will chill on top. I really hope I have two male societies because I do not want any breeding right now. I am trying to really pay attention to see if they both sing or not. We will see.
Thanks again everyone!!

[Harley2013]

You have one nest or two? I think that as soon as there is enough room you should put in a nest for the zebras as well, Zebras and Societies both like to sleep in nests, but not sure they will share one.

[Twinmom0804]

I was already planning on that! Feel bad for the zebras!

[kyubi]

Zebra usual like the canary nest , and u can find some decent prices for nice cage on eBay ...