youngest zebra misbehaving

[rayeast]

I got two young male zebras in late December. one was so young that it didn't begin getting its adult coloring until mid February. Now the young one's behavior is changing and it seems to be getting kind of aggressive. Just in the last few days the younger one has begun to guard (for example) the millet spray and or food cup from the other. Flying around in kind of frenzied circles and hopping from perch to perch and then landing next to the other bird and driving it away. Does a kind of Tarzan number on the swing and then sometimes swoops down on the other driving it away. It often nests itself in the food cup and seems to be protecting it. In general it just is acting strange. I guess this means it has matured. It may be molting, when it bathes there is often a feather or two left in the water, and it bathes a lot more often. Some pecking and squawking.... At the moment they are getting along. I'd like to know at what point should I be worried about their behavior? Does any of this indicate illness? No lack of appetite or energy. Is this ordinary zebra nuttiness? (the cage is a 40 by 22 inch flight cage...seems to be good.

[lovezebs]

rayeast

I kinda had to chuckle, when you mentioned that your kid is acting 'strange'. I found myself thinking, no, he's just acting like a Zebra.

With Zebras, you need to have more than one of everything in the cage/flight. Two or better yet, three seed containers, three water containers, etc. at different ends of the cage.

Zebras, are territorial of their space, of their food, of their perch, nest, swing, toy, treats, etc.

Are both of your birds male?

Soooo, my recommendation would be:

Several food and water stations at different areas of the cage.
At least two high perches at opposite ends of the cage (for sleeping). They need to be at the same height.
Two swings (if possible ).
Also, I would invest in all sorts of fake greenery for your cage. This is to create small private areas here and there, so that there are spots to hide and spend some quiet time, away from one another.

Good luck.

[rayeast]

Thanks for the advice. I think the changes in the cage and feeders will help a lot. They are, indeed, two males and they get along pretty well unless they are competing for food. They also seem to be competing for the highest places in the cage. So I'm optimistic. They remind me of my brothers and myself playing "king of the mountain". (long ago!)

[lovezebs]

rayeast

Good luck with your boys.
It is not unusual for Zebras, to get squabbling with one another (just like brothers, lol). That's just the nature of the beast

As long as there is no blood and guts, and missing feathers, they're ok (how can you tell I raised boys....).

Let me know how things work out.