Unusual (and unwelcome) drama

Usually everything in the pij room is very peaceful and harmonious and sweet. King pigeons are calm, easy going and good natured, which is one of the reasons I love them so much. They're often described as 'gentle giants'. And I have fostered quail and chukars uneventfully before but all hell's breaking out this time.

Since Doll's injury, I've caged the chukar because my pij experts haven't seen such a serious wound inflicted pij-to-pij under these circumstances (a baby or hurt pigeon will get seriously picked on if unprotected). So I've got pissed-off-chukar vibes poring through the room. Then, I did my volunteer shift at ACC last night and brought home the single quail that was there. A quail alone is a pitiful sight and I was very happy to bring it home to join the three I'm already fostering until they hitch a ride to their new home outside Sacramento this weekend.

This morning when I come downstairs, I see three quail nattering about but no fourth. I find the fourth (undoubtedly last night's newcomer) hiding in a corner all by itself, facing into the wall. This doesn't make any sense to me... I check him over and then release him back with the other three. They immediately turn on him, chasing him around, etc. It's terrible. I grab him back up and now he's set up nice and safe in his own cage. Quail wars? Yuck.

Doll is eating and pooping but her usually sunny, playful personality is gone at least for now. She's hyper vigilant and stressed. The injury is more extensive than just to her cere and there's actually a small chunk gone from her beak.