I had gotten two parakeets 2 weeks ago. I picked the two out because they seemed to be buddies inside the small cage at the store. Shortly after I brought them home the one kept trying to snuggle with the other but the other did not want anything to do with it. I think they were both females. It got so bad that the one (who did not want to cuddle) started freaking out so much she was trying to force her head through the cage bars.

I ended up returning her and bringing home another parakeet. This one seemed much younger and I'm thinking he is a male but its still hard to tell. I've had the two for about a week and there is absolutely no bonding going on between the two. In fact the older female seems to be bullying the younger one. She is not hurting him but just acting almost like an older bully sister.

I did noticed today that when the little one went to eat seed the older one would fly to the same seed cup and kind of push the little one away. When the little one went to the other feeder the older one would fly to that feeder and push him away.

The older one seems to be petrified of me and any sudden movements, yet the younger one seems to be already bonding with me.

My question is:

Do I need to give these two more time or should I return the older one and get a younger one which is hopefully a male?

Is this natural behavior between an older and younger budgie?

I am just concerned because of the eating situation. The little one does eat but I'm afraid the older one might be bullying him so much around the feeder that he is not getting enough food.

Also, I would like to tame both budgies but I'm afraid the skittishness of the older one may hold the little one back from really trusting me.

Please, any advice asap would be great.

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