Weird dominance issue??

[Phoenixjay]

I'm not sure how much of a problem this is, but I could see it becoming larger. I would have posted this in their recovery thread, but I thought I had a lot to type about it.

When Beaker came to live with me in high school, Leo was definitely the leader of the flock between the two of them. He taught Beaker everything he knows. It was pretty friendly and nothing alarming happened. Just one bird being papa bird to adopted baby bird.

I've noticed that Beaker has COMPLETELY taken over. I don't think Leo is in any immediate danger from Beaker, but it does concern me because it may be why Leo is not warming up as easily. Beaker is a little bit easier to handle, but when he starts whistling, Leo is isolated and can't get a peep out. Also, the few times Leo has asked to be pet, Beaker started annoying/lightly biting him. Which concerns me, because I don't want Leo to have a negative association with scritches. I've started having some alone time with Leo so he can have some time where he isn't being talked over. He still seems a bit nervous. Is there anything else I can do?

To clarify: I've never seen aggression out of Beaker. He is just a bit of a jerk to Leo and wants all of the attention. It may be nothing. I just don't want Leo's recovering to be inhibited by this.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi just putting some things to think about out there. Beaker at 6 years old is probably in his prime now whilst Leo maybe has passed his and wonder if this is something to do with the change. Beakers hormones are stronger and this could be the reason why there has been a shift in the pecking order I wonder. There could be some jealousy issues starting, be careful and maybe place their cages a little further away from each other?

 

[SilverSage]

I agree with plumsmum, it sounds like a normal shift likely due to age and the like.

When one of my birds behaves rudely/jealously like what you are describing, I simply put them farther away from me, and say "no." Pretty soon they learn that trying to hog the attention gets them sent across the room.


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[Phoenixjay]

Hi just putting some things to think about out there. Beaker at 6 years old is probably in his prime now whilst Leo maybe has passed his and wonder if this is something to do with the change. Beakers hormones are stronger and this could be the reason why there has been a shift in the pecking order I wonder. There could be some jealousy issues starting, be careful and maybe place their cages a little further away from each other?

They are both in the same cage. Should they have two?

 

[plumsmum2005]

If things have changed and for safety's sake it might be a good idea. By doing this it will be interesting to see if they settle down a bit?

 

[SilverSage]

Agreed. It may be nothing, but it is better safe than sorry. Giving each his own cage may help them get the space they need to be as friendly as possible to each other. In general you don't want to house anyone together who isn't absolutely thrilled about cage sharing.


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[Phoenixjay]

They do get along in their cage, and mostly like each other. They are very bonded. Leo preens Beaker (Beaker refuses to preen Leo though). It is only when they come out that I notice anything different. Also, I'm having issues affording a second cage to begin with since I have my hedgehog's vet bills to concentrate on, so my goal was to get them a new cage this month, but I don't think that will happen. Should I make one of my priorities a new cage then?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Yes I would - have you thought about putting out a wanted plea on here? There maybe a cage sitting unloved that would do you a huge favour for a period of time?

 

[Phoenixjay]

That's a wonderful idea. Thank you!

 

[Phoenixjay]

If that doesn't work, I can probably scrounge up enough for a new cage in a week or two. It won't be a giant one, but will probably work for one bird for a temporary time.

 

[Phoenixjay]

I found a cage for him and will hopefully pick it up next week.

 

[plumsmum2005]

That is good. Make sure they each get their fav toys etc so as not to cause any problems. After a good clean I would just let it sit in plain sight for a short while so they can get used to it. Might make acceptance easier.

 

[Phoenixjay]

My boyfriend started putting toilet paper rolls in the cage (lol), and I found Beaks perching on one this morning, so I may give him some more rolls. They don't seem interested in toys very much. Still working with foraging.

 

[plumsmum2005]

That's good that they like cardboard loo paper rolls. Kitchen rolls are more hygienic for them though as apparently every time the loo is flushed tiny droplets are raised into the air and then fall down onto items in the room. Something in it or stuff and nonsense I am not sure but I only give Plum ones from the Kitchen now and always ensure the loo seat is down before flushing LOL as I am thinking of my toothbrush LOL.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I wish Juliet (Tropical) would see this thread She is experience just about the same scenario with her Rascal and 'Nut ( Coconut)

She may be of some help.


Jim