Zebra Hen is a bully

[debzhouse]

I have six Zebra finches in one small aviary (3 pairs) I have four nest baskets one in each corner all have a few eggs in each. My problem is there is one hen that seems to be bullying all the others pecking them if they eat or go near her nest. Should I seperate her or is this just a normal thing I am wondering if she will be worse once the chicks hatch or is this them sorting out the pecking order?

[nswchainsaw]

That's normal , try putting some more nests near her nest that might be the area they all want to breed.
Garry

[steve23]

I have had the same problem in the past Debz, the hen was completely dominating the rest of the colony of Zebs
to the point no one could move without her attacking them

I put her aggressive nature down to coming from a maxed out over crowded aviary, for whom I got her off,
she more then likely had to fight for her survival with everything she did

This could be the reson for her being aggressive or it could be something else

Debz, was she bread by you or did you buy her, if you did buy her was it from a breeder or through a shop?

Also how big is your aviary with 6 birds in it?

[debzhouse]

Thanks for advice, Its just a small aviary about 600mm x 1200mm on wheels but she has seemed to have settled down now I put an extra nest in there and it seemed to fix the problem, before I put the extra nest in there another bird flew into her nest and she grabbed it by the leg and threw it back out the door and then pulled a few feathers out of its wing too once it was out. Now there is three pairs with 5 nests I think they just love nest building it keeps them busy all day. I bought the birds from all different places pet shops and bird dealers.I have no idea how old they are I just try and pick the healthiest looking ones, Hoping they aren't related. If they have chicks I will have to get a bigger aviary soon I think we are going to build it ourselves to suit the birds I have.

[finchbreeder]

You will need another bigger avairy very soon.
LML