Hi,
We have had Bruno, an English budgie, for around 4-5 months now (he's 6 months old) and we recently got him a friend (Bobby - a 'normal' budgie, 1 month old). Bruno had settled in very well on his own, he became tame very quickly and spent most of each day out of his cage when we were home in and around the bay window where his cage and play area are set up. He seemed quite happy on his own, very playful and active, however as it was always our intention to have a pair (the breeder didn't have a pair available at the time and advised that we get one bird settled before introducing a second) we decided to still go ahead and get Bobby.
We currently have them in separate cages facing each other in the bay window and after a day or so they looked like they were curious to meet each other so we have let them out to play together a couple of times. They haven't fought or anything like that but Bruno just constantly puffs himself up and pecks or chases Bobby away from whatever perch or toy he shows any interest in. I'm guessing it's territorial as Bruno is used to having the bay window to himself, I have bought new perches and toys so he doesn't necessarily see those as 'his' but he still behaves the same way towards Bobby if he goes near.
All I want to know really is, is this likely to continue as long as they meet in the same area? We haven't really got anywhere else in the house where it would be safe to let them out. Will Bruno chill out eventually and accept Bobby or is he more likely to keep defending his territory? Is there anything else I could try to help them get along? It feels like a shame at the minute because they both seem a little bit stressed by the whole situation.
Thanks
J
We have had Bruno, an English budgie, for around 4-5 months now (he's 6 months old) and we recently got him a friend (Bobby - a 'normal' budgie, 1 month old). Bruno had settled in very well on his own, he became tame very quickly and spent most of each day out of his cage when we were home in and around the bay window where his cage and play area are set up. He seemed quite happy on his own, very playful and active, however as it was always our intention to have a pair (the breeder didn't have a pair available at the time and advised that we get one bird settled before introducing a second) we decided to still go ahead and get Bobby.
We currently have them in separate cages facing each other in the bay window and after a day or so they looked like they were curious to meet each other so we have let them out to play together a couple of times. They haven't fought or anything like that but Bruno just constantly puffs himself up and pecks or chases Bobby away from whatever perch or toy he shows any interest in. I'm guessing it's territorial as Bruno is used to having the bay window to himself, I have bought new perches and toys so he doesn't necessarily see those as 'his' but he still behaves the same way towards Bobby if he goes near.
All I want to know really is, is this likely to continue as long as they meet in the same area? We haven't really got anywhere else in the house where it would be safe to let them out. Will Bruno chill out eventually and accept Bobby or is he more likely to keep defending his territory? Is there anything else I could try to help them get along? It feels like a shame at the minute because they both seem a little bit stressed by the whole situation.
Thanks
J