Breeding birds, even those considered “easy” species, can be a complex and challenging endeavor. Many factors contribute to the success or failure of breeding, and sometimes, despite best efforts, no chicks may result. A particularly distressing issue that can arise is aggression between a pair, often manifesting as one bird attacking the other. This typically occurs when one bird is ready to breed, but its intended partner is not. This mismatch can stem from various reasons, including one or both birds being too young, infertility, or a general lack of compatibility between the pair. For Green Cheek Conures, while they reach sexual maturity relatively early in captivity, they still require sufficient time to develop physically and mentally. It is generally recommended to wait until birds are 2-3 years old before attempting to pair them for breeding. Ensuring both birds are of similar age is also beneficial. When there’s a significant age gap, the older bird may become frustrated if the younger bird isn’t ready to mate, potentially leading to aggressive attacks that, if not intervened promptly, can be fatal to the younger bird. This is especially critical if the female is younger, as she might lay eggs prematurely, before her body is fully prepared.
Compatibility and bonding play crucial roles in successful bird breeding. A true breeding pair needs to exhibit a strong bond, spending a significant amount of time together, engaging in mutual feeding, and eventually initiating mating behaviors. If your birds are not exhibiting these signs of a strong bond, it could be a contributing factor to the aggression. Some male birds, particularly younger ones, might be solely interested in the act of mating without the inclination to care for eggs or chicks afterward. Moreover, some birds are simply incompatible and may not accept the mate chosen for them. In the wild, birds have the opportunity to select their own partners over time. However, in captivity, this choice is often limited, and while many pairs bond successfully, a considerable number may never fully accept each other. If the birds were previously hand-raised and tame, there might be a conflict between their desire for a bird mate and their bond with a human, which can also lead to aggression.
Separating and Reintroducing the Birds
It is imperative to keep the birds separated until the injured female has fully healed. Once she has recovered, and if both birds are around three years old or older, you can try placing their cages side-by-side. This allows them to reacquaint themselves gradually. Observe their interactions; if they show interest in each other by sitting closely and vocalizing, you might consider placing them in the same cage. This reintroduction should be done under close supervision. Initially, it might be best to allow them supervised time together for a few hours daily, separating them at night or when you cannot monitor them. If the birds demonstrate genuine signs of bonding during this period, you can then consider reintroducing the nest box. However, due to their past history, continued close observation is essential. Using a webcam can be an invaluable tool for monitoring breeding birds discreetly without disturbing them. Mild sparring and harmless squabbles can be considered normal within a breeding pair. However, persistent chasing, feather pulling, or drawing blood are serious warning signs.
Identifying Problematic Behavior
If the male bird resumes aggressive behavior towards the female, it strongly suggests that these two birds are not compatible and should not be housed together again. Alternatively, the male might be a “problem male” – some males exhibit such aggressive tendencies and may never be suitable for breeding. This situation demands considerable time, patience, and preparedness on your part, as it’s possible this specific pairing will not work out. Even if the birds appear to be bonding, continuous vigilance is necessary. If the male begins to exhibit aggressive behaviors again, immediate separation is required. Ultimately, the well-being of both birds is paramount. Understanding the intricacies of bird behavior and reproductive cycles is key to successful avian breeding. Consulting with an avian veterinarian can provide specialized insights and guidance tailored to your specific birds and situation.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
