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Kingry Elite user Virginia 464 Posts |
I use 2 males and 3 females. I need to put the males in separate cages after they are produced to keep them from going at it. Is this normal behavior? Would they do better if I kept all my birds in a large aviary? Thanks.
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Kingry, males are very territorial and will often fight. Keeping all the birds in one aviary reduces the fighting. However, when you put them in a smaller cage during your act, they may fight again. This is especially true if a male has mated with one of the females. They won't want any other males around. I solved this problem once by putting several males in a brand new cage so there were no territory disputes. I've been lucky and have never had a fighting problem on stage but it could happen. I make sure that when I practice, I always produce all the birds everytime so they get used to being together.
Where the magic begins
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Magicduck Elite user Washington State 484 Posts |
Even with a huge yard, I have two male ducks... pretty docile in general. The males fight over the two hens however. I think this is pretty typical in birds. Dominance and all.
quack |
Kingry Elite user Virginia 464 Posts |
I have heard that doves mate for life. The last time I had all my birds in for practice, the oldest male mated with one of the younger females while its mate watched nearby. That's what started the battle. I have noticed that once they have been in the same area for a few hours, the instinct is less noticable. Thanks for the reply.
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
That's what's fun about working with doves. You never know what's going to happen. They are supposed to mate for life but sometimes... I have one male in a cage with its mate and while she sits in the nest, he's bowing and cooing to the female in the next cage. Guess like people sometimes, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Where the magic begins
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Magicduck Elite user Washington State 484 Posts |
Boy, do they. Now my two male ducks... normally gentlemen... are getting very nasty to one another. First the older duck was dominant; now the younger, stronger one is taking charge. I am a bit worried because he is getting pretty rough. No problem as long as the older duck stays away from the women and does not eat... tough restrictions. The major concern I have is the older duck has a scab very close to his eye. They can fight and pull feathers out as they do, but I am not keen on an eye getting put out. I have had ducks, four or five at a time, for 21 years. They always got along great. But that second male, first time I have crossed that line, is a real problem with even these "nice" birds.
Quack |
futemagic New user 3 Posts |
Hi, maybe you guys can help me out. I've had the same one female dove for about 7 years. Just yesterday I bought two new doves (female and male). When I put the doves in the cage my original dove started fighting and pecking like crazy. I separated the cage into two sections to keep them away from each other.
Will they ever get used to each other and stop fighting, or will I have to always keep them separated? please give me some advice. Andrew |
Kingry Elite user Virginia 464 Posts |
I purchased a large cage and let all my birds have it out. It took about a week for them to establish a pecking order, then things calmed down. My birds no longer fight on or off stage. The youngest male seems to take charge. Just remember, birds have personalities, some are more agressive than others.
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I had a female who would just love to fight often.
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kaytracy Inner circle Central California 1793 Posts |
Most animals get territorial, sort of like someone else using your bathroom!
It really does not matter if they are male or female, the key is the territory. (and the mating issue if you have mixed sexes housed together or nearby) If your animals are raised together in a large group setting, they should get along, though you will need to check for who is the dominant one, and realize their role in the pecking order. Bringing in a new animal, even into a group setting sets up an us vs. that one situation. About the only solution there is to put the single into a cage solo for a small amount of time and introduce your existing animals slowly, watching for signs of aggression. This generally holds true for small mammals as well as avian species. If you are going to house mixed sexes for breeding purposes, please insure that you have gathered all the information you can on the topic. Many folks have lost their best rabbit by putting the male into the females cage. Leads to one dead male, or at least very beat up! Kay (Former Fecal Engineer)
Kay and Tory
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