[jenseits]

I feel like a brand new bird owner all over again. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but for some reason I didn't think it would be twice as hard bringing a second bird into the flock.

Stewie and Mika do not seem to get along. If one of them manages to get onto the others cage (which Stewie does a lot, since he's fully flighted), the other tries to bite the offender's toes. Not surprising, since I imagine cages are very personal space.

I made the foolish mistake of trying to rush things a little and had them both out at the same time - trying to gauge how they reacted if they could both observe each other uncaged (I did that for a few minutes over the weekend, and it seemed to go fine). They eyed each other for a little while and seemed interested. Then, quick as lightening, Stewie jumped on top of Mika and a fight ensued.

There was squealing, flapping, beaks everywhere.... so, because Stewie was the instigator, he went back into his cage. If she had any doubts before, I think she's pretty certain now that she doesn't like him.

They are both fine, but have I ruined the chances of them ever coexisting peacefully by rushing it?

Anyone have birds who didn't get along initially but ended up being buddies?

I have to admit I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I'm not sure how I'll handle having two birds who try to attack each other.

p.s. I'm thinking I should get Stewie partially clipped again, so that he can't go on the offensive as easily. He could fly with some effort with one or two flights on each side, but now that he's got all his flight feathers he's a little too good, and it makes him cocky. Not smart considering how much bigger Mika is than he. So maybe at his next well-birdie vet visit, I'll have them clip a few flights -- at least until they learn to get along better. Would that help?