Cock bird attacking hen bird!!!!!

[Lone Pine]

Hi, I just found and joined this forum; it appears to be well used with some good questions and equally good replies. I hope someone out there can help me! I purchased a breeding pair of red sided Eclectus about four months ago and all has been well until recently. I have them set up in a suspended cage 3ft square x 6ft long. There is a nestbox mounted externally. I know the hen birds are supposed to be dominate however a few days ago the cock bird attacked the hen in the nestbox and has started to prevent her from eating. Both cock and hen have been working the nestbox but not together. They stay at seperate ends yet sleep on the same perch but not as close as they used too. After the violent attack (luckely I was home at the time) I placed a wire divider across the middle to seperate them, blocked off the nestbox entry and gave them seperate food and water. Two days later I removed the divider, left the nestbox blocked and left the extra food and water; all was well for three days but he has attacked her again (I was not home) and now he's bitten off one of her toes! The divider etc have now been replaced. PLEASE HELP if you can!

[jimpierce7]

I'm sorry to hear about this but I am sure somebody will have an aswer for you, try posting this thread in the "experts" section as well. I hope all turns out well!!

[Tiki]

Lone Pine, do you live in Brisbane by chance? Just thinking Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary............................

Sorry, I am not an expert. There is a bird behaviourist who works with my AV, Dr Adrian Gallagher in Brighton. If you call, they can give you her number.

[Lone Pine]

I live near Sydney. Thanks for the info though' I'll try contacting that Dr later. Thanks again.

[Lone Pine]

Thanks you for your assistance. Unfortunately I didn't think there would be an easy fix so I will keep them separated and now have to decide what to do next. I will stick with this forum as the replies are quick and most of all sensible. Thanks again.

[basketbagley]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I'm new to Ekkies so I have no advice on support.

Have you been to www.landofvos.com ??? Carolyn Swicegood who runs it is an expert here on the board too she'd be the one to contact.

Good luck and hugs!!!

how is her foot doing? did you take her to the vet?

[Lone Pine]

Carolyn Swicegood has replied to my message under the "Experts" section thanks. No I haven't taken her to the vets as I did not want to stress her out any further trying to catch her with a net. I have been watching her as close as I can and she appears to be ok at this stage. She has her foot tucked up resting it as much as she can and is eating well. If she has a turn for the worst I will catch her up and take her to the vets. I will have a look at "landofvos". Thanks.