New female button quail fighting after introducing to the male

[Vonashker]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on introducing a new female button quail to my male.

Back in early December, I bought a pair of button quail, but unfortunately, the female passed away yesterday. To keep my male company, I purchased a new female and tried to introduce them. At first, everything seemed fine for the first couple of hours, but then the female started bullying the male, and they ended up fighting.

I quickly separated them, and now they’re in the same cage but with a divider (photo attached). The male keep digging in front of her meanwhile the female just wander.

Is there anything I can do to help them bond and eventually become a pair? I’d appreciate any advice or tips on how to handle this situation.

Thanks in advance!

 

[GodLovesU]

Are you positive that’s a female? Silver birds can’t be sexed by their feathers.
@Nabiki

 

[Nabiki]

Based on your picture, I'm guess that they have less than 1 square foot per bird after you subtract the space taken by food, water, and hiding place. That's pretty crowded.

First, I would give them more space, a couple of hiding places, and a dirt bath. They will be less grumpy and less likely to fight. Putting them where they can see and hear each other but not touch for a couple of days is also a good idea.

Even if your silver bird does happen to be another male, they should still get along once they've gotten used to each other.

 

[Vonashker]

Thank you I will do that!

I don’t know if it’s relevant but the male tried to mate with the “female” and she got pretty angry attacking him

 

[Nabiki]

Thank you I will do that!

I don’t know if it’s relevant but the male tried to mate with the “female” and she got pretty angry attacking him

Well, yeah. She doesn't know him yet!

 

[Vonashker]

Well, yeah. She doesn't know him yet!

I mean if it’s a sure sign of she’s a female or we don’t know

 

[Nabiki]

I mean if it’s a sure sign of she’s a female or we don’t know

Oh. Not necessarily. A lonely male will mount just about anything that moves, and sometimes things that don't.

 

[CuriousCucco]

Do you have a close-up pic of the silver one? Usually silver males get a bib and more pink colored ventfeathers (instead of the rust colored ones seen in other colors).

My silver male in the split pic, showing typical male pattern, and my silver pearl female for reference.

 

[Vonashker]

This is the best I can do while she is separated
I think she is a female right ?