Chasing & Bullying 

While playful chasing is part of normal flock behavior, constant chasing, biting, or dominating another budgie is a sign of bullying. This behavior can lead to stress, injury, or isolation of the submissive budgie — and often goes unnoticed if people think it’s just "rough play."

It’s important to spot the signs early and take steps to create a balanced, safe environment for all your budgies.

😟 1. Signs Your Budgie Is Being Bullied

• One budgie is always running away or hiding

• Chased off food, perches, or toys

• Pecking, biting, or lunging from the dominant bird

• Screaming or distress calls during interactions

• Bald patches, missing feathers, or visible injuries

• One bird looks nervous, fluffed up, or underweight

Even subtle bullying (not full-on fights) can damage trust and confidence over time.

⚔️ 2. Why Do Budgies Bully Each Other?

• Personality clash — some are more dominant, some more timid

• Hormonal aggression — especially during spring/summer

• Jealousy or attention seeking

• Competition for food, space, or toys

• Poor introduction — rushing into cage sharing too quickly

• Not enough space or resources in the cage

🛠️ 3. How to Stop Bullying Behavior

✅ Provide a Larger Cage

• More space means less conflict

• Give plenty of flight room and open areas

• Separate zones for eating, perching, and playing

✅ Double (or Triple) All Essentials

• Two+ food and water bowls

• Many perches at different heights

• Lots of toys and shreddables to reduce competition

• Spread items out so one budgie can’t guard everything

✅ Separate Temporarily if Needed

• Use side-by-side cages so they can see but not hurt each other

• Reintroduce during calm, supervised playtime outside the cage

• Give the bullied budgie solo time to rebuild confidence

🧠 4. Help the Bullied Budgie Feel Safe

• Spend extra time with the shy or bullied bird

• Offer treats and toys in quiet, safe areas

• Let them choose where to go during out-of-cage time

• Never force them near the aggressor — let trust rebuild naturally

🚫 5. Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Don’t assume they’ll “work it out” on their own

• Don’t punish either bird — it causes fear, not change

• Don’t keep them in a cage that’s too small

• Don’t remove just the bullied bird — this makes them feel even more isolated

🚩 6. When to Intervene Immediately

• Bleeding, open wounds, or pulled feathers

• Daily chasing that doesn’t calm down

• One budgie afraid to eat, drink, or move

• Severe weight loss or depression

→ In these cases, separate ASAP and talk to an avian vet or behaviorist.

💡 Final Thought

Budgies are social — but not every pairing works out. Sometimes a bully budgie just needs a better setup, more enrichment, or a break from their cage mate. With the right adjustments and gentle redirection, even troubled pairs can learn to share their space — and your love — peacefully.