Separated them again

[Vera]

Hi guys,

I have 2 male finches, they are silverbills and about 1,5 year old.
Until today they lived together in a indoor flight cage.

About a month or two ago they became very hormonal and i had to seperate them for about a week.
After that, everything was fine again.

Since last week one is picking at the other a lot,again.
The picked on bird seemed to be a bit stressed and tired.

I decided to buy a cage with divider, so it makes it easier to go with their hormonal routine and behaviour.
I bought the imac tasha cage.

Since this afternoon they are together but separated with the divider.
The bully seems to be unhappy about it, but the picked on bird seems to be relieved.
I hope i can take the divider out after a while.

Would it be bad for them if they had to bed separated this way for a longer period?
I have a perch attached to the divider so they can sit together if they want to.

I was considering adding 2 more birds, but if that would mean 1 or 2 more cages, it isn't an option for me.
Maybe the males aren't compatible anymore?

I am not sure if adding 1 or 2 birds could help,or would make things worse.
I don't want to breed, so it would be males only.

What do you think?

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

All birds have a pretty strong instinct to breed so you really can't be sure they won't eventually pick on each other. In the wild they have the option of flying far away from bullies. What are the dimensions of the cage you bought? For the one that seems unhappy... maybe offer more shreddable toys for distraction and some fresh leafy greens ... like carrot tops. Well washed fresh veggies .

 

[Vera]

Thank you. They have some issues with wet droppings too at the moment, so the separation is also good to see who has this issue and maybe collect and send in some droppings for testing.
I think the wet droppings come from stress due to the picking, but we will see.

I placed to perches on the divider so they can sit together during the night or daysleeps, that helps.

Today they seem to settle down a bit.
Will keep an eye on them.

The cage is 80,5cm W x 49cm D x 65cm H
It is an ok size for 2 birds without the divider. With the divider in it is a bit small for flying, but hopefully this is only needed for a few days

 

[Vera]

This is the cage

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

Thank you. They have some issues with wet droppings too at the moment, so the separation is also good to see who has this issue and maybe collect and send in some droppings for testing.
I think the wet droppings come from stress due to the picking, but we will see.

I placed to perches on the divider so they can sit together during the night or daysleeps, that helps.

Today they seem to settle down a bit.
Will keep an eye on them.

The cage is 80,5cm W x 49cm D x 65cm H
It is an ok size for 2 birds without the divider. With the divider in it is a bit small for flying, but hopefully this is only needed for a few days

I love finches. Long ago I had society finches. I was totally enamored with the males singing their cute little songs. If you suspect the wet droppings are too continuous and possibly not from stress then a culture would be advised. If you have a good relationship with your vet they should be ok with you picking up a culture kit ( sterile ) and getting a sample and dropping it off to have their droppings tested. For the reason the droppings are watery I would hold off on any fresh vegetables for a few days to see if they change. Any change can cause stress. Being separated even though one picks on the other is stressful for a day or a few days. Hopefully it becomes the new norm and they can both be happier. Most if not all of their perches are round and the same diameter. They do need variety in size ( natural perches preferred ) to keep their feet healthy and in the long run it will help prevent arthritis in their feet and legs.

 

[Finchbreed]

Natural perches of mixed sizes are best for all birds.
I just cut fresh branches from my Mulberry and Cape Lilac for my finches.
As you have observed - a good size cage for 2 active finches without the divider - but short term with the divider and being able to sit next too each other = OK

 

[Vera]

I have other perches, but they were in the other cage and had to be cleaned first.

I have found that one of the birds (the bully) is playing with his water and empties the drinker fast, his cage floor is wet, and so are his droppings.
He doesn't want to take a bath, i offer it twice a day.
Maybe he is a bit stressed because he cannot get to the other bird now.

Could a different drinker/bottle work for them?
Any ideas?

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

I have other perches, but they were in the other cage and had to be cleaned first.

I have found that one of the birds (the bully) is playing with his water and empties the drinker fast, his cage floor is wet, and so are his droppings.
He doesn't want to take a bath, i offer it twice a day.
Maybe he is a bit stressed because he cannot get to the other bird now.

Could a different drinker/bottle work for them?
Any ideas?

I've never used a water bottle. If it works for you but he plays with it a lot maybe you could put a cup under it to catch the water. It may take a while for him to adjust to being without the other bird.