The bird of paradise is a large, colorful bird native to New Guinea and parts of Australia. With its long tail feathers and bright colors, the bird of paradise has become an iconic symbol of tropical environments. Though typically solitary, during mating season large groups will congregate in communal display areas known as leks. This leads to the question: if you happen to come into possession of a large number of birds of paradise, perhaps you’ve started your own aviary, how would you go about dividing up the birds? There are a few key considerations when dividing up a large group of birds of paradise.
Why Would You Need to Divide Up a Large Group of Birds of Paradise?
There are several potential reasons you may need to divide up a large collection of birds of paradise:
– Breeding: Breeders may want to separate males and females, divide birds into breeding pairs, or isolate breeding stock from younger, non-breeding birds. This allows them to control mating and monitor breeding success.
– Managing territorial behavior: Birds of paradise are highly territorial, especially males competing for mates in leks during breeding season. Dividing birds reduces conflict and injuries from fighting.
– Reducing competition for resources: With limited space and food sources, minimizing competition allows birds to thrive. Fewer birds per enclosure reduces resource strain.
– Separating by species: The bird of paradise family includes over 40 species. Their needs may vary, so grouping each species together can improve care.
– Quarantining new arrivals: Isolating new birds allows close monitoring for illness before introducing them to the general population.
– Culling: Breeders may divide birds to select out undesirable specimens to be culled from the flock.
Whatever the specific goal, dividing birds of paradise allows better control over the population and care of each individual.
How to Divide the Birds
When deciding how to divide up your birds of paradise flock, here are some key considerations:
1. Consider space requirements
Birds of paradise are large, active birds that need adequate space. The exact enclosure size depends on species, but a general guideline is at least 8 feet tall by 6 feet wide by 3 feet deep per pair of birds. Adjust space requirements up or down based on group size, allowing more space for larger groups.
2. Group by sex
Birds of paradise should first be divided by sex, keeping males and females separate except for breeding pairs. Territorial males will fight if housed together and hens may be stressed, injured, or killed.
3. House breeding pairs separately
Mated pairs should each have their own enclosure, both for breeding privacy and to prevent conflict with other birds over nest sites or food resources. Pairs may tolerate fledglings remaining with them for a period after hatching.
4. Consider compatibility of species and personalities
Though most species of birds of paradise can be housed together, some particularly aggressive species may do better housed alone or only with their own species. Additionally, individual personalities should be considered – less aggressive or timid birds may be stressed by pugnacious flockmates.
5. Quarantine new arrivals
Newly acquired birds should be quarantined for 30-45 days to check for illness before introducing them to the flock. Have dedicated quarantine space available.
6. Isolate chicks and subadults
Young birds have different housing and dietary needs, so should be kept separate from mature birds except for brief supervised interactions for socialization.
7. Allow visual and auditory contact between enclosures
Even when housed separately, birds should be able to see and hear other individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors. Physical barriers can be used to prevent injury.
8. Provide adequate food, water and enrichment
Each enclosure must have sufficient food and clean water sources for its inhabitants as well as opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation through toys, swings, baths and more. Overcrowding increases competition for resources.
9. Monitor birds and adjust divisions as needed
Continuously observe the health, wellbeing and interactions of birds within and between enclosures. Adjust groupings if space, personalities or other factors are causing issues.
Enclosure Options for Housing Birds of Paradise
The enclosures used to divide and house birds of paradise can vary significantly based on budget, space available and other factors. Here are some potential enclosure options:
Indoor Enclosures
– Large parrot cages: Sturdy cages meant for large parrots can work for some species of birds of paradise but may be limiting.
– Aviaries: Custom designed indoor aviaries allow for more space and customization like sound barriers between enclosures. More expensive.
– Room dividers: Less permanent dividers like tall partitions or heavy curtains can divide a room into sections to house different groups.
– Screened rooms: Converting an entire room or greenhouse space by screening it in can create usable indoor habitat. Allows free flight.
Outdoor Enclosures
– Flight cages: Large outdoor cages allow for flight and are easier to disinfect and clean than fixed aviaries.
– Aviaries: Custom designed outdoor aviaries provide stability and customization options compared to cages.
– Covered runs: Fenced outdoor runs covered with netting provide protection from predators and prevent escape.
– Flight zones: When adequate space and safeguards against predators/escape are in place, birds can be housed in an outdoor flight zone free of cages.
Features to Include in Enclosures
– Perches of varying textures and diameters for foot health
– Plants and foliage for hiding, enrichment and nesting materials
– Water sources like misters, baths or ponds
– Swings, ropes, ladders and other climbing structures
– Toys like puzzle feeders, shiny objects, wood blocks etc. to stimulate the birds
– Nest boxes for breeding pairs
– Shelves, benches or platforms for resting and displaying
– Proper lighting including UV light
– Adequate ventilation and climate control
The proper setup of enclosures allows birds to engage in natural behaviors and reduces stress and aggression when confined.
Potential Challenges Housing Large Groups of Birds of Paradise
When working with a large collection of birds of paradise, there are some challenges that may arise:
Aggression and Injury
Birds of paradise can inflict serious wounds on each other with claws and beaks when competing over mates, territory or resources. Ongoing monitoring is required.
Stress
Chronic stress from overcrowding, bullying by flockmates or inadequate housing can weaken birds’ immune systems and reduce lifespan.
Illness Outbreaks
Disease spreads rapidly in crowded populations. Quarantines must be implemented at the first sign of any illness.
Feather Plucking
Feather damaging behavior may appear in distressed birds and compulsive pluckers can set off this habit in others. Plucking birds may need to be separated.
Escaped Birds
Birds of paradise may attempt to fly away if housing has inadequately secured doors, windows or nets. Escaped exotic birds seldom survive in the wild.
High Costs
Constructing, maintaining and staffing numerous spacious enclosures is very expensive for zoos and private breeders alike. Grants may be needed.
With patience, plenty of space, careful monitoring and adjustments to divisions as needed, these challenges can be overcome to keep birds healthy and flock dynamics smooth.
Conclusion
Dividing up a large collection of birds of paradise requires considering the goals of the caretakers, the individual space and enrichment needs of the birds, and minimizing inter-bird aggression and competition over resources. Breeding pairs should have separate enclosures, while other divisions can be based on sex, age, species and individual temperaments. A variety of indoor and outdoor enclosure options exist to house divided groups depending on the facilities available. Even when physically separated, the flock should be able to interact visually and audibly. Adjustments to divisions may be needed over time to ensure a healthy, harmonious flock. With careful management, a large aviary of stunning birds of paradise can thrive.