As you know Milly and Squee have been best friends since I first introduced them to each other.

 

But Squee seems to have come back into season and Milly has turned vicious! I always knew this could happen with two hens, but I hoped that having them together since they were little would get them used to each other.

A few months ago I had to put them in one cage because Milly was gnawing on her blue cage- to the point where she went through the paint down to metal, which rusted. I thought that since they got along so well and they got plenty of flight time they would be alright living in the same cage.

 

That went well - really well - until now! It started this week. Even outside the cage, Milly will go out of her way to chuck Squee off my shoulder. Then when I tried to separate them Milly bit me so hard it looks like I have little mosquito bites all down my finger

 

It's really distressing to see my (normally) mild mannered Milly beating up little Squee! I've taken to leaving the cage downstairs and carrying just one away to my study for play and flight. It looks like I have to go cage hunting again as I'm worried about the rust. Sigh. I thought the dream would last.

 

Could this have something to do with light, as it's unusual for Squee to be in breeding condition at this time of year right? I am going to be covering them more, hope it will bring down the aggression. I am watching them for now and will pop Squee into the blue cage for a very short time if it comes down to it - maybe she won't chew the paint like Milly did. I am currently looking for a new cage to separate them, but would really love to see them getting along. Any suggestions?

 

Edit - I forgot to mention that they only seem to be doing this when I'm in the room. I just went to sneak a look and they're sitting next to each other preening.

Edited June 5, 200817 yr by Chrysocome

Sounds like normal female behaviour to me,have you seen big brother lately.lol Sorry couldn't resist that.

I think you may have to seperate them while she is in season and maybe the light does have something to do with it.Could be a jealousy thing over you aswell.I know Jangles will not let any bird near me when he is out and Chipy stand s between us and his favorite budgie Poppy and will bite your finger if you go near him.He is usually very friendly.

It would be good to have a second cage on hand though,especially if one got sick.Maybe they just need some time to themselves and getting them out for seperate play times I think is a good thing anyway.Good luck Chryso!

I have a feeling it is both she is in season and you are her mate and she is protecting you, decreasing the light should help, increase cover time for one week by 2-4 hours more and you should see a difference.

Also if you are worried about the rust on the other cage clean it with a wire brush to get rid of the rust and then wipe it with an edible oil to help protect from further rusting, that way you can still use the cage.

Get some non-toxic paint from hardware store and just give the rusty area a once over to get rid of loose rust and give it a layer of paint. Lot cheaper than a new cage.

Hens can come in and out of season all year round.