by Mona » Wed Oct 13, 2010 12:11 pm
Hi guys;
I'm so sorry to hear about Rupert. I'm sure he will mend fine. One thing you might think about is giving him some warm, mushy food like oatmeal or mashed potatos. If he isn't eating, you might want to "handfeed" him a few days just to make sure he keeps his weight up.
Just FYI.....My rule is to never leave one bird caged while the others are out. Either they are all out of their cages or they are all in their cages when they are in the same room together and playing. (Especially if I can't keep 100% focused attention on them) For some reason, it's just too tempting to pick on a caged bird. This is another reason why I don't have clipped birds. My flighted birds would pick on a clipped bird and it would have no defense.
Also, I think the weather is turning.....more rain....and that leads to nesting tendencies and possibly more aggressive tendencies. Babylon, my senegal hen, is my barometer. When she is good, she is very, very good but when she is bad (and something sets her off) she is horrid. This morning, she was pretty edgy.
You really can't blame yourself because they are after all, birds. Flock dynamics is something that is really difficult to predict or get a 100% handle on. I personally believe that having an environment that allows for flock dynamics is enriching and just increases their quality of life; however, like any thing that is enriching....there are always risks. Some risks you can mitigate but you can't mitigate them all.
Having said all of that, there are certain times of the year (when the rains come and spring depending on species) when you can predict you are going to have edgier behavior......so, it might be a good time to be more careful and/or keep a close eye on the birds - or just keep them caged and separated.....I'm not blaming you because it is easier said than done and I have to admit, it's a tough challenge for ANYBODY WITH MULTIPLE BIRDS. It really is a daily challenge and I know that I don't always get it right but the only way parrots learn about flock dynamics is to spend free time in a flock situation. If they are deprived of the opportunity to interact with other birds, they can become asocial and in some ways, I think a little stunted......They will become MORE aggressive, fearful and shy towards other birds rather than less aggressive.
I do hear a lot of stories from people who have Senegals that cannot be out together at the same time....or they immediately attack other birds and/or people. I do think that part of the reason is because these birds never learned how to interact and be part of a flock. In a flock, you will have isolated incidence of aggression (because that's the nature of these birds) but for the most part, they will know how to interact and even if they interact from a distance, they are still learning how to read and be with other birds. I'm of the opinion that isolating them does more harm than good....so, I'd rather work to understand and mitigate the risk (if I can).....in the long run, you end up with a better adjusted, less neurotic, more confident and playful pet. They will also be much better at handling change and accepting other people.
An isolated incident of aggression is usually, one bird chasing or beak sparring - and then they fly away and find something else to do. Most of the time, no harm no fowl....however, sometimes a bird DOES get seriously hurt - especially if they are not evenly matched in temperament and size. So....all of us have to be careful no matter what.
Overly aggressive birds may be something that is the breeder's fault too. Some birds (like Poi's) may need to be raised in clutches as babies rather than isolated from other birds to learn important and proper social skills.
No easy answers....just don't blame yourself
Thanks
Mona
Mona in Seattle
Phinneous Fowl (aka Phinney) TAG
Babylon Sengal
Doug (spousal unit)
Jack and Bailey (Gremlins)
Kiri (CAG)
http://www.flyingparrotsinside.comyoutube: Avian Flyers