budgies squabbling or is it worse?

[rfarr]

ALSO POSTED IN BUDGIE SECTION -

Hi, I have a 3yr. old English Budgie, Blu, and a 1 yr. Am. Budgie, Lil' Boy, both males, who have been in the same cage (26x20x32) since we brought Lil' Boy home about 8 months ago. In the beginning, Blu was nurturing and LilBoy loved it, then they became independent. They both get individual time with me and plenty of flight time outside of the cage. Ok...so far...fine. Recently, the new male (smaller, but clearly dominant) has been chasing Blu, a big old chicken! :) from whatever branch, perch, swing, food dish he goes to, though at night, they sleep near each other. I don't try to interfere with their behavior other than to let one bird out of the cage and leave the other in sometimes. I have multiple food bowls, multiple perches, 2 swings, etc. This chasing behavior has increased and I am worried about Blu getting enough food and becoming more nervous than he already is. I figure there are three choices. One, let them continue like this (makes ME nervous), try setting up the cage differently...one of everything on either side, or putting them in different cages. Any suggestions? I should mention that Blu has always had an issue with pulling at blood feathers, but for a while that seemed to stop. Today we had another bleeding incident which I took care of. Coincidence?

Sorry for the LONG post! Thanks, all.

Robin (new here)

[tielmama]

I would put them in separate cages where they could still see each other, and I think out of cage time could be together if you want. I've seen birds do that before, and I feel real sorry for the one being chased. Way too much stress, if you ask me. You might be right about the food and water too. That could really be a disaster.