FINCHforum

I have 4 zebras in a flight cage currently (the other two are in a separate cage with their two babies) a male and three females. The male is rather attached to one of the females (Marge) the other two females don't have mates. Whilst one of the unattached females is fairly harmonious the third female is not.

She is a very scruffy black cheek hen who has had feathers missing since I got her (almost three months ago). She hisses at everyone else, but especially at Marge and clicks her beak rapidly, occasionally she will chase the other birds around. She picks fights but tends to come off worse, she is often unstable on her perch (I know some of her wing feathers are damaged so she has to work hard in flight). She looks almost hunched, but I'm not sure if that's because of the bald patch on the back of her neck.

I'm just not sure how to proceed, ideally I'd love it if her feathers would grow back and that she would calm down a bit. Any tips for a harmonious flight cage?

Themcleodflock
Personally, I would put Scrffy Into a hospital cage, with a nice warm light over part of this cage, the other half covered with a small towel, to offer shade if she wants it.

I would offer a good diet with hard boiled egg, greens and a good seed mix, plus a little multi vitamin in her water.

It sounds to me, like she really isn't well, and that might be causing stress and other issues. Also, the fact that one female in the cage has a mate and the other two don't, can be a recipe for aggression, with the single females trying to steal the one available male.

Once Scruffy is well, I would look Into getting mates for your other females.

Good luck

~Elana~

As an alternative to getting more males, could I move the two unattached females into a separate cage, would they get on? (Once scruffy is well of course)

Themcleodflock

If they take to each other, and bond together, yes. I thought you were interested in breeding, that's why I suggested the extra males.

However, my first consideration, would be, to make sure that Scruffy is healthy and in good shape. I wouldn't put her too far away from the other guys, perhaps a little hospital cage, where she can still see her frenemies and chat with them, but not feel the need to go after them.

Once she's had some R&R, with lots of good food and warmth, and she's in good condition, I would place both females into their new cage at the same time, so that neither one of them feels that it's 'her' cage. That way, they don't feel the need to protect their territory.

Hopefully it will work out for you.
Good luck.

~Elana~

We can put a divider in the cage so separate the mated pair from the undated females.

I'm interested in breeding, but only one pair at a time. Originally scruffy was bought as a young male (obviously miss sold, but oh well).

How long will it take scruffy to get well in a hospital cage? I can easily provide egg food and fresh veg, what other supplements will she need?