I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem...

 

I purchased a younger female (Sheldon, thought she was a he) a few years ago for my widowed older female. (Buttons) For the most part they get along, especially since summer has passed they are less hormonal and moody I think. But, one behavior has remained constant between them -- Sheldon often reverts back to being a "chick" and demands certain things from Buttons. I've been working on having my hand in the bird cage, since they are both scared and panic when I open the cage door and for the most part things are going alright. Today I had a sprig of millet to offer them. Although Buttons freaked out initially she calmed down and began eating her treat. Sheldon, on the other hand stayed stuck up in a corner, and she slowly made her way over to my hand, but never actually had the guts to go and eat. When I removed my hand, she made her way over to Buttons and started her "baby" behavior of getting really close to Buttons (In her face, I guess you could say) and making this soft "beeping" sound, as if demanding something. Buttons gets a bit annoyed from this behavior, and will get away when she needs to, but for the most part she puts up with it. Other times, Buttons actually regurgateds her food for Sheldon and will feed her. Is this a sign of affection? They get along, and sometimes Sheldon actually preens Buttons, but their bond is indeed strange. (Probably different from what I imagine a female-male bond would be) I'm kind of annoyed with this one way relationship of take and no give because I feel it makes Buttons less trusting of me. Any suggestions on what I should do with my problematic "baby?"

Edited October 27, 200618 yr by brunof

This is a common behavior between budgies who are either mates or just good friends. There's no need to stop it, it will just take time for her to trust you. But for now, the other budgie is her "comfort zone" so to speak. It's not really a baby behavior but more of a bonding thing between budgies. I have a budgie who feeds my cockatiel in this way so really it's more a parrot/bird thing than anything else.

 

As far as strengthening the bond, keep up the work and I'm sure it will happen. Eventually, she may see your other bird no fearing you and follow suit.