I have a male and female quaker. The male has always had a bit of cage aggression. the female is usually super sweet. about a week ago I put a nest box in their cage. They have been biting the opening of the nest box and the perch inside and digging through the pine chips. Lately when i go to feed them they completey lose it. Even my female, she tries to bite me. the male goes running into the nest box as soon as I come into the room and they scream something horrible. Why are they acting like this? Is this how they act when they get a nest box? They don't mind so much as long as I stay on the opposite side of where the nest box is. But, if I'm on the side where the box is they freak out. I opened it today to see if there was an egg and the male jumped out of the box and tried to attack me. Are they doing this because they feel like that is their house or because the hen is getting ready to lay? I did see them mate about 4 days ago.
2007-03-01 14:03:48 · 2 answers · asked by peek-a-boo 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
Also, do quakers mate just for recreational purposes?
2007-03-01 14:10:13 · update #1
He's definitely protecting the female, and her eggs. It's totally regular, so if there's a big problem w/the biting (which I know it can be very annoying) then just use some gloves, and it'll be alright. Good luck w/the baby's:)
2007-03-01 16:56:35 · answer #1 · answered by Betty B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not evil behavior, just normal protect my offspring behavior. they are seeing you as a threat to their eggs and young ones. Ducks tend to look after their nests and young ones and the males have been known to protect the nesting site. I once had a Rosy bill Pouchard hanging from my arm and she just wouldn't let go. all the fuss is sure worth it as their is nothing as cute as little ducklings.
2007-03-02 08:29:21 · answer #2 · answered by pete 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋