Bickering Zebras

Hoji · Post by **Hoji** » Wed May 23, 2007 2:58 pm

Hi,
I am wondering if bickering (not fighting) is dangerous. My new birds (4) seem to have paired-up, but chase each other around and dive-bomb each other. I am hoping this is good fun and exercise!? One of them has a bad foot (adopted that way, Vet checked) and seems to get most of the teasing, but she(?) does get in a few good "right back at ya's".
Is there anything specific to watch for as far as aggression that should not be allowed?
Thanks so much for this great site!
---Hoji

Crystal · Post by **Crystal** » Wed May 23, 2007 5:18 pm

No amount of bickering or fighting is fun for anyone. It creates stress which can predispose birds to a lot of health problems. This being said, a small amount of bickering can be expected in just about any living situation under certain circumstances--it is very difficult to create an ideal enough environment for animals that allows them to get along 100% of the time. Never should you keep birds together who are constantly harrassing each other, though. This type of behavior can escalate to plucking, injury (e.g. puncturing the eye) and in some cases death. It is better to act soon, in other words, than to allow this behavior to continue. With zebras one of the things many owners notice is that 2 birds get along well, and 6+ birds in the same cage (as long as it is a big enough cage) get along fairly well, but any number in between (more than 2 but less than 6) tend to argue/fight constantly. If you can't separate your birds into one pair per cage, and if your cage is large enough, you might want to consider getting 2 more zebras.

Hoji · Post by **Hoji** » Thu May 24, 2007 9:42 am

Hi,
I have separated the Belinda (the one with bad foot) but cannot seem to catch her friend. I will try again this evening. I will build a bigger cage and get more birds.
I put this question under housing because I suspected it was a problem and a housing problem at that. My cage is one of those tall, rectagular types. I guess I did everything wrong and set-up an aggression craeting environment.
It is so wonderful that this site is here. Who would have quessed that such little birds couldn't be happy in such a large cage.
Thanks, again

Crystal · Post by **Crystal** » Thu May 24, 2007 6:33 pm

They are little but they tend to command decent sized 'territories,' even in the captive setting. Good luck with your plans!

Hoji · Post by **Hoji** » Fri May 25, 2007 7:51 am

Hi,
Thanks! Belinda and Bernard are now happily living in their own (albeit smaller) cage and the other pair (Both males I think) are also peacefully living in the bigger one. Sweet songs and meeps, no more dive bombing and other aggressive acts!!!!
Thanks again,
Hoji

FINCHforum

Bickering Zebras

Bickering Zebras

Thanks

Peace