by Mona » Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:19 pm
Hi Michael:
I think it is important that birds have their own cages, but in my experience - they also really like to share and explore the other birds' cages.
When mine are out exploring, two or three are generally in the other's bird cages eating the other birds' food and it doesn't seem to bother any body. Bailey, in particular, has a special affinity for Kiri's cage and likes to crawl inside her big food bowl, chew on her pellets and talk to me when I poke my head in to check on him. I leave the doors to the cages open so the birds can go in and out at will.
Having said that, I also try to make sure that only one bird at a time is in a cage even when they are all out, flying and playing around. I don't want a bird to become trapped in a cage if aggression does escalate. Outside of their cages, it is no big deal because they can and will fly away from each other but inside a cage, they may not be able to escape. My flock is acclimated to each other and for the most part, they seem to "get that" as well. If Bailey sees Kiri approaching her cage, he will usually get out before she comes in (but I still keep an eye on them)
The one exception in regards to aggressive behavior is if a bird decides to establish a nesting territory. I want to caution you that this does not have to happen and it doesn't always happen automatically. My hens will often pick out a foraging spot and when I go to get them, they will look at me and metaphorically bat their eyes, inviting me to join them in their "nesting spot". It is usually very easy for me to pick them up and interact with them at this point. I think in the "discovery phase" of nesting behavior, the birds are usually quite sweet and inviting. You just don't want them to become "entrenched". If they become "entrenched" then they can become aggressive.
In other words, you cannot generalize about a bird being territorial or becoming aggressive. It is a modifiable behavior in many cases and not every bird will become aggressive. You have to look at this on a case by case basis; BUT if you do see a bird becoming defensive and aggressive, you should definitely look at the possibility that they are defending something. In that case, you need to be understanding about it.
For parrots in the wild, defending a nesting sight is a life and death imperative. They lay eggs so there is nothing more important to them than finding and defending a nesting sight. Of course, if we are not breeding and we want to keep our parrots as companions, this is a behavior we really want to discourage. One way to do this is: If you see a bird becoming "territorial" with an object, remove the object from the area. If you see a bird becoming "territorial" about a place, keep the bird away from that place. Move them into a different room.
I also believe that moving cages and toys around and taking birds outside of the house as much as possible throughout their lives and into adulthood will discourage a bird from becoming too "nesty".
Having said all that, I don't see cages as becoming a source of territorial aggression. Boxes and dark areas are probably more likely to become areas that a bird will choose to defend.
Also, different species of birds will definitely be programmed for different innate behaviors in regards to nesting. So, it will all depend on species, sex, age and individuals - You can't generalize!
Great topic that deserves a lot more discussion.
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