I have 2 parakeets, 1 male and 1 female for 3 years. They get along really well except when I cover the cage at night. They nip and chase each other for 15 to 30 minutes. I'm afraid one of them will get hurt. I understand there needs to be a pecking order but this seems a bit much. Why do they do this and what can I do about it?
Kelly Modzelewski says:
July 22nd, 2009 at 04:47 PM
The simplest solution is to separate them at night. If you do try to keep them together, how big is their cage? For two, it should measure at least 24 inches on each measurement. Make sure they each have their own places to perch and their own dishes. They could be fighting over a perch at night. Be sure place the perches high up. Another reason for the fighting may be that your female is jealous of the male and is acting up. I've heard that if you put on finger on top of the other, like a beak, and put it up to the female's beak, that tells her you're boss. If you do separate them at night, keep the cages next to each other.
Dee says:
July 23rd, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Thanks for the advice. I have all the things you mentioned (cage size etc) and will try the finger thing. Again thanks
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