Jealous budgie -- what should I do?

[aether-drifter]

My English budgie, Juniper, shares a cage with my cockatiel Solaire. The door is always open and they can come out whenever they want to hang out on their two play gyms. For the most part, they get along completely fine. When I am in the room, Juniper always flies over and wants to hang out with me. It's super sweet, except that he will NOT share me with Solaire. If I'm trying to give Solaire attention, or even if he is just sitting on my shoulder, Juniper will fly over and start biting and pecking at Solaire to drive him off. It's not fair to poor Solaire, who was here first and is a total sweetheart. I do try to give Solaire some attention by himself, by keeping Juniper in the cage, but I feel bad because Juniper just climbs the bars desperately looking for a way to get to me. It stinks because I work full time and have a cockatoo to take care of as well, so I don't have all that much time to spend with each bird one on one.

What would you guys do? I love Juniper, and I have always wanted a tame budgie, but I am wondering if it is selfish of me to keep him when it's making it so that he and Solaire both get so little of my attention as a result. (I do not want to get another budgie.) I'm so fond of both of them...if only they always got along as well as this picture shows.

 

[getwozzy]

Can you take Solaire to another room (like a bedroom) and spend time with her? Or maybe cover the cage to eliminate his view of you while you hang out with Solaire? Or incorporate them (individually) into part of your daily routine some how?

 

[aether-drifter]

If it weren't for the fact that the house is infested with cats, that would be so much easier. Maybe I could set up a small desk in the bedroom and do that, I suppose.

 

[Puck]

Can you give Juniper a special treat when he is left in his cage so you can spend time with Solaire? A food or toy that he really loves that would make him excited to be in the cage or at least distract him? Maybe a foraging toy with food he usually only gets as special treats? Then over time maybe he'll become better about it.

 

[Kyoto]

I have the same problem of cat infestation in our house I feel terrible just leaving the room when I have to do housework or go to work. I think that Puck's suggestion is worth giving a try for sure! It's what I do to keep Kyo busy when I'm away.

 

[kalypso123]

First of all, love the names and the picture. I would first let them both out and when Juniper starts the unwanted behaviour put him in his cage and ignore him for about 10 min. This should stop the problem but if not take them out one at a time starting with Solaire. I also agree with providing many foraging toys so they can stay busy. You could also try feeding Juniper and while she eats hang out with Solaire and then vice versa with Solaire. I would love to see your play gyms/set up.