Feather plucking

[danitodd]

I just obtained a new pair of red rump parakeets of the normal variety who are 15 months old. They did fine for the first 2 days and then the male started ripping the feathers out of the female's head. I know that they can be agressive but she's got a bald spot now. I seperated them but my question is what do I do with him now? He is definately wanting to mate as he is displaying for her and doing the head bobbing. My other pair is completly different. They preen each other and cuddle alot. They are almost 3 years old though and have produced 3 clutches. My other question is could the agression be because he can see the other pair across the room? Should I try moving the second pair to another room? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Monica]

I suppose you could try housing the pairs in separate rooms, and if the cage is large enough, housing them in the same cage... If nothing works, just keep the pair separate but put the cages next to eachother. Perhaps in time, they'll get along. If not, maybe the male needs a different mate?

[Lori~D]

An aggressive male will probably do that to another mate as well. Sounds like he is ready and she is not. Is she young and inexpirienced? For some reason head plucking in breeding captive birds is not uncommon but it doesnt happen too often in the wild if at all. I would separate them. Some breders have pairs who do this every year at breeding time. Its your option to let it run its course or separate. I personally think she is inexpirienced and would separate her and give him a more willing partner. He is trying to force her to go to nest.