[MommytoMany]

I have some friends who have a pair of doves (Stevie and Nick) who are both males. They have lived together in the same cage for several years with absolutely no problems. The cage is a good size with two food dishes, two water dishes, and several perches. They also have the occasional millet treat. Both birds appear to be in good health, with regular droppings and appearance.

Recently, they have started attacking each other. My friends have separated them and tried reintroducing them, but the moment they are put in the same cage, they attack each other trying to poke out each others' eyes and everything. This has been happening for about a week.

Previously, like most doves, they were incredibly docile.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what could be causing this? Their food was changed recently and they are going to try switching back. Ranee hasn't noticed them eating as often since the change, but their droppings have not changed so they must be eating. They are also refusing millet, which is uncharacteristic, we assume because they are upset. One of my friends has also been incredibly ill lately (in and out of the hospital) so things have been stressful around their home, but at the same time the birds are not hand tame and are not used to coming out of the cage anyway.

Any thoughts would be really appreciated. My friends would love to put their birds back together, as they feel like the companionship adds a lot to their life!

[janejacinto]

Sounds like hormones to me. Coming of age is not an easy thing.
Jane

[GreenMeanie]

1. hormones
2. doves will kill off a sick member of the flock so it does not endanger entire flock. Perhaps one is ill and not showing it.