Button Quail Aggression? Or Mating...

[Pandapop]

As of today, my buttons are almost 5 weeks of age.

Just this morning I noticed one of my females looking a little more ruffled than usual, and so I went to investigate. She didn't like it, but, I found a patch on her back where the feathers have either been scratched or ripped out.

Upon further investigation, she was not the only one with this problem... but definitely had it the worst out of the four? Females (I'm assuming all were females at this point) I checked over.

I sat and watched my buttons for a solid hour, hoping I could catch a glimpse of some of this aggression... the males are all fine, no feather out of place. Just these few (again, I'm assuming females) girls.

Since the second bird is clearly scabbed, I highly doubt this is their own doing (like nest building? There are no nests in the brooder). I'm home all day, most days, and have never heard any squabbling? The quail are pretty quiet, other than when they let me know they need fresh water.

I'm regretful to say that I'm really pushing it here with these guys, aren't I? I should move them to their own cages now?

But that leads me to this question; will they be fine in pairs (male and female) I pick myself, or is it better to let them decide? I read that buttons can be picky?

 

[sourland]

I would separate them and provide more space.

 

[DK newbie]

I'd put them in pairs, yes. I have yet to have one not accept the partner I chose for them, so I wouldn't be too worried about that - particularly not as they've grown up together, so there won't be any introduction.
Whoever is doing the picking might continue after they've been paired up, so keep an eye out for birds that don't get their feathers back as fast as the others - they might be living with the culprit(s).

 

[Pandapop]

Sorry I didn't see your reply sooner, but yes I've picked out my pairs and I'm left with two males that I hope to rehome soon. Preferably separately, or to someone who knows not to put them together...

I haven't noticed any more aggression, and you're right, my pairs all snuggled up with their partners the first night and have continued to do so. They still call out to each other every now and then, and it's pretty cute. The two single males are the ones that start it up, then suddenly everyone is calling.