Bringing a new bird into your home can be a joyous experience, but understanding their complex behaviors, especially concerning breeding, is crucial for their well-being and the harmony of your flock. This guide addresses a common and concerning issue: aggressive behavior between birds, particularly during what should be a bonding period. If you’re experiencing such difficulties, or simply want to be prepared, this information will help you navigate the challenges of avian breeding.
The Complexities of Avian Breeding
Breeding birds, even those considered “easy” species, is a multifaceted process with many factors influencing success. It’s not uncommon to put in significant effort and still not achieve offspring. A primary reason for aggression between birds is a mismatch in their readiness or willingness to breed. This can stem from several factors: one or both birds may be too young, one could be sterile, or the pair might simply be incompatible.
Green Cheek Conures, for example, reach sexual maturity relatively early in captivity, but this doesn’t mean they are physically and mentally developed enough for breeding. Vets generally recommend waiting until birds are 2-3 years old before attempting to pair them for breeding. It’s also ideal for birds to be of a similar age. A significant age gap can lead to frustration, especially if the older bird is ready to mate while the younger one is not. This disparity can result in aggressive attacks, potentially leading to serious injury or even death of the younger bird if not caught in time. This is particularly problematic if the female is younger, as she may lay eggs before she is physically capable, leading to health complications.
Furthermore, a strong bond is essential for a breeding pair. Birds in a compatible pair typically spend most of their time together, engage in mutual feeding, and eventually initiate mating behaviors. If your birds are not exhibiting these bonding rituals, they may not be sufficiently bonded for successful breeding. Some male birds, especially younger ones, may be more interested in the act of mating itself rather than the subsequent care of eggs or chicks. Incompatibility can also be a significant factor; birds, like any individuals, may not accept the mate chosen for them. While wild birds have the opportunity to select their own partners, captive birds often do not have this luxury. Even when pairs do form, some birds will never truly accept each other.
A special consideration arises for hand-raised and tame birds. They may experience a conflict between their desire for a bird mate and their bond with their human companion, which can sometimes manifest as aggression towards their avian partner.
Managing Aggression and Promoting Harmony
Until the injured bird has fully healed, it is essential to keep the birds separated. Once the female has recovered, and if both birds are close to three years of age or older, you can try placing their cages side-by-side. This allows them to re-familiarize themselves with each other’s presence. If they show signs of interest, such as sitting close together and vocalizing, you can then attempt to introduce them in the same cage.
This reintroduction process should be closely supervised. It may be beneficial to allow them supervised time together for a few hours daily, separating them at night or when you cannot monitor them. If they demonstrate genuine bonding behaviors, you can then consider reintroducing a nest box. Even with a nest box present, continued close observation is paramount due to their past aggression. Utilizing a webcam can be an excellent tool to observe their interactions without disturbing them.
Minor sparring or harmless squabbles can be considered normal. However, behaviors such as chasing, feather-pulling, or drawing blood are serious red flags. If the male initiates such aggressive actions again, it strongly indicates that these two birds are not compatible and should not be housed together. It’s also possible that the male is inherently problematic and may never be a suitable breeder.
Successfully navigating avian breeding requires significant time, patience, and a willingness to accept that some pairs may simply not work out. Being prepared for this possibility is crucial for the well-being of your birds.
