I mentioned in my other post that Pippin (my new young blue budgie) has been continuously following around my slightly older yellow Budgie, Peeta- who I believe is molting.
I've noticed that whenever Peeta goes to one of the two available bird food dishes, Pippin usually follows. Sometimes they will eat together out of the same bowl, and other times Peeta flies away. Is this "bullying" even if Pippin doesn't do anything to Peeta? It seems just the chasing after him puts Peeta off.
I will say I've noticed Peeta still does get to eat, but I fear he'd eat much more if Pippin wasn't on his butt.
Is there anything I can do (short of separating them) so they'll both learn to eat at the same time - either in the same dish or separately? They barely bicker, no violent acts of aggression that I have seen. It just seems young and energetic Pippin gets on Peeta's nerves- to the point that Peeta will fly away from the food or water dish upon Pippins arrival.
Just wanting to make sure everybody is as happy as can be!
Thanks.
PS I should add that there are actually 3 food dishes and 3 waterers... I just havent seen either bird use either of the third options.
No, Pippin is not "bullying" Peeta.
As you said, it seems young and energetic Pippin gets on Peeta's nerves- to the point that Peeta will fly away from the food or water dish upon Pippins arrival. Peeta is used to being alone so it's going to take some time for him to adjust.
You have plenty of food and water dishes available and Peeta is getting to eat and drink so all is well.
I was also wondering, is it strange that Peeta will preen Pippins face, but he won't allow Pippin to preen him? Is this because he is grouchy from molting? (although, I haven't seen any feathers drop in the last day or so...).
Can't wait til the day I have more answers. In the meantime I just worry
I was also wondering, is it strange that Peeta will preen Pippins face, but he won't allow Pippin to preen him? Is this because he is grouchy from molting? (although, I haven't seen any feathers drop in the last day or so...).
Can't wait til the day I have more answers. In the meantime I just worry
Peeta probably doesn't trust Pippin fully yet.
He's the older bird so he is demonstrating more "fatherly" behavior toward Pippin. Nothing to worry about.
Thrilled to report I came home from work today to find Pippin preening Peeta!!
There's still a bit of chase happening- but I was also pleased to see Peeta push Pippin off the dish he wanted to eat from. Pippin complied and went over to the other one. A lot more "kissing" too
Peeta seems to be coming out of his molt, he is appearing to be more energetic and authoritative.
So glad I found this forum. I will post pictures soon Also, will figure out how I can get these guys in my signature!
Great I'm glad Pippin and Peeta are really starting to get along. Deborah gave some good advice too. There was never any bullying there . Sounds like you have a well matched pair of friends!
Is this "bullying"?
