Budgerigars, often called budgies, are one of the most popular bird species amongst bird owners. Their friendly personality, adorable character and active persona make them increasingly preferable when picking a pet as a new owner.
However, beneath that mischievous, cute disposition is sometimes a fierce, territorial avian that will not hesitate to dispose of others it dislikes; this can be seen when keeping them with other birds, including budgies.
Here's a list of reasons why your budgie may be showing aggressive behaviour towards its fellow birds (my articles on signs of aggression and how to prevent aggressive behaviour have been linked in the section below)
Why Is My Budgie Showing Aggression
Towards Other Birds?
Budgies, while not aggressive by nature, tend to show aggression under certain circumstances or due to their personal temperaments. In general, reasons for aggravation can include -
1. Territorial Behavior: budgies can be highly territorial when they feel their space (such as their cage or play area) is threatened or invaded – this can be towards other birds as well as humans (including their owner).
2. Breeding season: More specifically, female budgies tend to get overly aggressive during breeding and nesting, which I’ve detailed in the article below -
(coming soon)
3. Lack of Socialization: Any bird, and not specifically budgies, will show apprehension towards other birds and humans when they have been hand-raised alone and not introduced to them.
4. Fear and lack of trust: Introduction to a new environment, unfamiliar people, a larger bird or animal, or sudden loud noise may cause your bird to become defensive and easily provoked.
5. Illness or injury: As any illness or injury weakens its body, your budgie might become more aggressive as a defensive response towards you or other birds. Check for signs of infection or a wound and separate the bird for treatment until it shows improvement.
6. Boredom: Budgies are highly active, playful creatures and will resort to violence and bullying if not provided with appropriate stimulation.
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| ~ Alex attempting to spar with a toy ~ |
7. Lack of space: a single budgie pair needs an enclosure having minimum dimensions of 24”x12”x12” (2ft x 1 ft x 1ft). If too many budgies are crammed into one enclosure, it will result in frequent fights over preferred perches, toys and resting spots.
8. Hormonal Cycles: seasonal and dietary changes can influence hormonal fluctuations, which in turn cause moody and possibly aggressive behaviour.
9. Using smaller birds for game: While budgies may not chase other species for territorial purposes, they most definitely will for fun. Especially the less domineering, smaller birds. For example, a budgie will bully zebra finches and pluck out their feathers without provocation. Before keeping small species with budgies, ensure you have an enclosure large enough for them to fly and escape in case they are targeted.
That's All, Folks
Was this article helpful or lacking in any way? Drop in your responses and critiques in the comments; they’ll be most valuable in enabling this blog to grow.
And if you want to figure out if your budgie is actually showing agitation towards its cagemates, follow up on the articles linked below for signs of aggression and what you can do to prevent it -
Signs of Aggression In Budgies: Behaviors To Look Out For
Any ideas for future articles and questions would be appreciated, too.
The articles following up on this one will be uploaded in the next two weeks :)
If there are any changes you'd like to add or changes you'd like me to make, feel free to contact me at the below-mentioned socials -
- Gmail - namratansahoo@gmail.com
- Instagram - @nammu s
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