New aggressive behavior??

For those of you who don't know me I've had two rescues - Hope and Pidge for nearly 2 years now. Pidge (the white homer in my avatar) was rescued from a hawk attack and Hope was brought to me by a college student as a baby (she'd fallen out of her nest and needed to be handfed and taught to eat seeds, etc). The two have always been quite close and affectionate with each other - as you might guess from my avatar picture. Well last night Hope started getting very aggressive toward Pidge -- chasing her out of the nest, chasing her around the cage, wing slapping her, jumping on her back, etc. No blood was drawn (thank goodness!) but it was upsetting to see this new behavior to say the least. They had laid 3 of the 4 eggs that they do every month over the past two days... but they have always been very good about sharing the "duty" of egg sitting. After the third episode of chasing I took Hope and put her on our enclosed deck for about 45 minutes (kind of like a piji "time out"??). I also took the eggs out feeling that was part of the issue. I couldn't leave her out for too long since it was very cold and neither of them are acclimated to cold weather :( It seemed to help for the night... when I brought Hope up she didn't attack Pidge but they also didn't sleep together as they normally do. I think I heard them "going at it" again this morning - but I didn't see it so I'm not sure.

Any ideas on what could be causing this sudden aggression (aside from the "Wolf" full moon last night - LOL)? And any suggestions on what to do about it? Thanks in advance -- it's really baffling and upsetting :(

Sometimes mated opposite sex couple will do the same when cycle after cycle their eggs don't hatch. Perhaps Hope thinking Pidge is the reason no babies hatch.

That is upsetting news, Dezirrae. I think Matilda is right, maybe Hope is starting to realise Pidge isn't satisfying her maternal needs. Poor girls! I hope it works out alright and Hope stops her aggression.

Now the way to keep eveyone happy is to introduce a couple of boys to the mix. I could probably help you with that. ..

Pigeon pimp

I love that... "pigeon pimp"... heheheeee.... what a visual :lol!:

Well I must say they are totally back to normal since I removed the eggs the night that Hope started being aggressive. They've been happily bathing together the past few days and making all kinds of cooing racket -- sometimes to the chagrin on my hubby who's been working very long hours from home this week. But it's comforting to me... I love listening to them "talk" to each other. I'll have to see how the next round of eggs goes...

Personally - I think they may be getting a little bit of "cabin fever" from not being out on the enclosed deck much this winter :( They still get free fly time in the house - but not nearly as much as in the summer when they spend full days on the deck. It's just been way to cold here this year and they're not acclimated at all to those low temps.

I know Dave & I are getting a little "cabin crazy" so maybe birds do too.

Oh - and Charis you are absolutely one of the first people I would contact if I ever dreamed of getting a boy buddy for either of them... LOL. Ever since my experience with Kong (the Giant Runt that's living in the lap of luxury with Robin in WI now) I've just been in love in the larger breeds... so if the opportunity ever should present itself I would be looking for a Giant Runt or a King. But I don't see having that opportunity here any time soon. Just thankful for the two love buds I do have.

I'm glad they are doing better.

Hi Dez,
Cabin fever could be a factor.
I'm sure they'll settle down and get back to normal.

Keep us posted.

AviatorRodent wrote:

Pigeon pimp

OMGosh, I read that and I litterally choked on my tea! THAT is HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!

That AviatorRodent is pretty funny, alright.

AZJourney wrote:

AviatorRodent wrote:

Pigeon pimp

OMGosh, I read that and I litterally choked on my tea! THAT is HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!

Me too! Couldn't stop laughing!

How are they getting along now, Desirrae?

AviatorRodent wrote:

Pigeon pimp

I need a hat that says that. :Yes: ...

Matilda wrote:

AviatorRodent wrote:

Pigeon pimp

I need a hat that says that. :Yes: ...

By all means. :Yes:
And when you get your engraved 'Pigeon Pimp' hat, you must share it with us by posting a picture.

Fancyfeathers wrote:

Matilda wrote:

AviatorRodent wrote:

Pigeon pimp

I need a hat that says that. :Yes: ...

By all means. :Yes:

And when you get your engraved 'Pigeon Pimp' hat, you must share it with us by posting a picture.

Of course that's with you sporting the hat.