HOUSING BIRDS IN SAME CAGE

Be very cautious when introducing two birds to each other in the same cage. Some birds will get along and some birds could try to kill each other. Introductions should be slow and gradual.

Housing the same species together is best. I do not recommend housing different species together in the same cage. If you insist on doing this then ask your breeder questions regarding the different species such as specie aggression and compatibility. Some species become very aggressive towards their mate during breeding season. Take cockatoos for example where males have been known to kill their mates.

Consider temperament changes when birds are housed together. Sometimes birds can fall in love and no longer care about you. They may only want their cage mate and not want to be separated from him/her. It does not matter if the birds are the same sex. They can still fall in love. Reproductive instincts can become so strong that one bird will take on the role of the opposite sex even though it is the same sex as its cage mate is.

With regard to housing small birds, it is recommended not to house "odd numbers" of small birds together (budgies, lovebirds, finches) (i.e., 3, 5, etc.). They may decide to pair up, irregardless of sex, and this may cause fights if there is an odd one left unpaired in the same cage.

To introduce two birds to each other, try housing them in separate cages at first. Place the two cages close to each other. During supervised play time, allow the two birds out of their cages at the same time. Maybe move the cages closer and closer every few days. Eventually try letting the two birds out of their cages when both cages are side by side. Always be ready to immediately step in and separate the two birds if fighting starts.

Reprinted from the original article 10/84 By Dottie Schira of BIRD PLACEMENT PROGRAM Parrot Refuge www.birdrescue.com

Use Browser BACK Button

Pretty Birds: Copyright © 1997: Last Modified 09/11/03: Copyright Law and International Treaties protect these Web Site Pages. Warning: Reproduction or Distribution of these images, program, text or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible under the law.