Posted by astrogirlm42 on Wed, 08/09/2006 - 02:31 :: Budgerigars
Hi,
I have three budgerigars in one cage (it is a relatively large cage and enough room for them to fly around and be independent).
The first budgie we found in our backyard (and her owners never came forward). As we didn't want her to be lonely we got her a companion. We were sold the companion as a male - but the avian vet is pretty sure that they are both female (she bites like a female!!!).
My friend recently found another budgie in her backyard (a definite male) and as she couldn't keep him and as we have a zoo of lost and stray animals we took him on. We kept him separate for a couple of weeks to get to know the other two budgies and then introduced him into the same cage.
At first the companion budgie wouldn't leave him alone and they were preening each other and beak tapping and just adorable. However, in the last few weeks the girls have gone back to preening and playing with each other and have been picking on him.
I came home today and there was blood on his wing (both his wing and under his wing had been damaged). I removed him from the cage and put him back on a cage of his own.
I am just at a loss for what to do? Will they ever be able to be in one cage? He is just such a passive bird and lets them attack him. The companion budgie is very aggressive and dominant and even the other female has trouble getting away from her some time.
Greatly appreciate any help or suggestions. I have ensured their cages are very natural (as was told adamantly by our avian vet not to have "man-made" toys). But have put lots of natural chewing things in to keep them entertained. Also I give them lots of recommended plants, grasses and vegies to feed on so confident they are not bored or fighting over food. Help!!!!! :-)
I have three budgerigars in one cage (it is a relatively large cage and enough room for them to fly around and be independent).
The first budgie we found in our backyard (and her owners never came forward). As we didn't want her to be lonely we got her a companion. We were sold the companion as a male - but the avian vet is pretty sure that they are both female (she bites like a female!!!).
My friend recently found another budgie in her backyard (a definite male) and as she couldn't keep him and as we have a zoo of lost and stray animals we took him on. We kept him separate for a couple of weeks to get to know the other two budgies and then introduced him into the same cage.
At first the companion budgie wouldn't leave him alone and they were preening each other and beak tapping and just adorable. However, in the last few weeks the girls have gone back to preening and playing with each other and have been picking on him.
I came home today and there was blood on his wing (both his wing and under his wing had been damaged). I removed him from the cage and put him back on a cage of his own.
I am just at a loss for what to do? Will they ever be able to be in one cage? He is just such a passive bird and lets them attack him. The companion budgie is very aggressive and dominant and even the other female has trouble getting away from her some time.
Greatly appreciate any help or suggestions. I have ensured their cages are very natural (as was told adamantly by our avian vet not to have "man-made" toys). But have put lots of natural chewing things in to keep them entertained. Also I give them lots of recommended plants, grasses and vegies to feed on so confident they are not bored or fighting over food. Help!!!!! :-)