Managing Bullying Via Nutrition

[MGH]

Hi friends!

My crossbeak rose to the top of the pecking order over the summer, but has recently become sort of a b-word. I pulled a bloody hen from the run yesterday (she's fine!) and watched the CB bully another more docile bird around the feeder when I returned the injured bird at sun down.

A friend of mine suggested feeding the birds increased protein and fat in the winter. She said her flock would bully once the days got shorter. Her theory was that less sunlight meant less time to eat and less bugs (protein) to consume. Feeding more proteins and fats would help them feel less hungry and create less of a need to compete for food. Specifically, she recommended salt-free margarine added to whatever I give them as treats, and possibly a fatty protein like ground beef.

It makes sense, but wondering if anyone else has heard of this or employed nutritional strategies to help with problem behavior.

Thanks
Edit - The CB gets PLENTY to eat. Her crop is always full at bed time and she is perfectly healthy. She is not starving.

 

[sourland]

Feeder bullying/guarding can generally be eliminated through the use of multiple feeding sites.

 

[MGH]

Feeder bullying/guarding can generally be eliminated through the use of multiple feeding sites.

Thank you! I have a spare feeder that I will set up today.

 

[Mrs. K]

Make sure when you set it up, that a bird eating at one station, cannot see a bird eating at another station. It does not have to be elaborate - a cardboard box or a tote laid on its side, or a piece of plywood - just something to block the line of sight.

Mrs K

 

[nuthatched]

Higher protein than layer is good anyway, but fat isn't good idea.

 

[saysfaa]

... Specifically, she recommended salt-free margarine...

Jaw drop. No, not margarine. Even if there is something to the rest of it.

When they stopped having bugs to chase, they had more time and attention to pay to each other. Also, without the other sources of food and the shorter time available to eat, the feeder gains more importance.

I second getting another feeder, out of sight of the other feeders. More space and more clutter usually helps too.