another attack. :(

[quailtrail]

Found another A&M attacked. Looks like it was scalped and eyw damaged. My husband found our 1st hatchling Sheldon chasing the poor bird. I am soooo sad. Here I thought it was the A&Ms killing each other...but it was our 1st corturnix... I never should have added the 4 to this couple. A week ago we found 2 attacking him. So we removed them nowhe went after the 2 that were not involved in the previous fights

 

[Nichrome]

Remember that quail are still realtively wild and also they might look merry and jolly together, it is not always like that. When you have an established flock or pair, it is always difficult to introduce new individuals. I find it best to do it gradually. Put the new birds in a cage where they can see each other and look for reactions. Somehow, different birds will trigger different reactions

 

[beakmaster]

Remember that quail are still realtively wild and also they might look merry and jolly together, it is not always like that. When you have an established flock or pair, it is always difficult to introduce new individuals. I find it best to do it gradually. Put the new birds in a cage where they can see each other and look for reactions. Somehow, different birds will trigger different reactions

I second this. I have never had any trouble with this technique. I have had males rip into the girls and scalp them and draw blood but never kill. They could be compared to street gangs, they get a new gang member put in with them and many times it ends bad. Adding one (to the pack), instead of several, would amplify the tension. Good luck.

 

[quailtrail]

They have been together for several weeks then kaboom

 

[beakmaster]

Yeah, sounds familiar... I did at one time have a female get beat near death. It seemed to be racism as three browns were the aggressors towards one Japanese. They had been together their entire lives though (4-5 months). Sometimes they seem to snap.

 

[quailtrail]

I guess that makes sense...just so sad. My corturnix is calling for her mate. It seems so sad. The injured one is eating ans drinking well...but scratching like a dog would at her wounds. Is there something I can do for her???

 

[beakmaster]

Put some triple antinbiotic ointment on the wounds as best you can. The thought crossed my mind of making a collar (like dogs wear) to prevent scratching but I don't know if it'll work on birds. Might make her go nuts trying to get it off though.