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Recently I accepted a "retired" pair of CAGs. They needed a home. I have the space. Yesterday, I took them to have their nails clipped and found out that the female is very underweight. If these birds have always been together ( at least for as much as I know) will the male keep her from food? Is there competition between them for the food that is available? I have decided to put them in seperate cages but close to each other. Any suggestions to increase her appetite? Gonna take her to the vet on Monday to see if there are physiological reasons issues that she may have. Don't know their age... have been told they are into their 40s. Don't know if it's true. They have not shown signs of being interested in breeding. Is there an age where the pairs stop reproducing?
Thank you.
Cheryl

If these birds have always been together ( at least for as much as I know) will the male keep her from food?

This could be a possibility but I would think unlikely if they have really been together all these years. Make sure that you have two feed bowls as well as two water sources if you want to be sure that each is getting a chance to eat and drink. Put them on opposite sides of the cage in order for each to feel comfortable using them.
Since the hen is underweight, more sunflower and safflower seeds will help with weight gain, and you can bake them bird bread with peanut butter or red palm oil, along with other oil sources, to help create a higher caloric food. This is also a way to get vegetables into them in case they are not good fresh food eaters.

Is there an age where the pairs stop reproducing?

As you said, the uncertainty of their ages leaves so many variables unanswered. Forty+ years can be old for breeding birds. Birds have the potential to breed and lay eggs until their dying day, but what usually happens is that the reproductive drive, fertility and egg numbers drop dramatically. In my personal opinion, I would say that this pair is probably done with breeding.

I think the vet appointment is probably a very good idea. This will give you a much better insight to their health and possibly their age.

Good luck and you are to be commended for taking in these retirees.

Thank you for your input... any ideas why she might be so underweight?
They have been together for some time. There are 3 seperate places for food bowls and I have mounted a water bottle on the side of the cage. I have seen both of them use all food and water sources but the male far outweighs the female. I put them in seperated cages so I can observe her more closely and monitor her intake. I have been giving her sunflower seed in addition to birdy breads and mash and beans... along with her Harrisons pellets. I am noticing that she doesnt seem to really eat very much. (except of course for the seeds) Any reason why she wouldn't eat?
thanks
Cheryl