Should I separate?

[beauderek]

A short bit of background: I took over care of a 5 year old hen called Derek (don't ask) who had been in an elderly care home all her life. I bought Beau, a young cock, to keep her company.

It's clear Derek would prefer not to be hassled, but I so dearly want to bond with Beau. They are great pals and live in the same cage, and Derek makes Beau nervous around people... I'm considering moving her to another cage elsewhere in the house so I can bond with Beau.

Is that cruel? Would it work to get him more confident around us if he was alone for a while? I don't envisage it being permanent, just long enough to make friends with Beau then back to normal.

Any advice is appreciated, I'm new to budgies and not sure how easy bonding is or if it's advised.

Thanks in advance 🙃

[Hezz]

You don't need to make the move a full-time thing; just move him when you want to do training with him. If he is giving Derek the run-around, it is probably better if he is in his own cage for the short term, and wait and see how they interact as they become more used to each other.

[Shirls]

Agree with what Hezz has said, it doesn't have to be a 'full time' move at all. Good luck with the training and bonding. Once trained and bonded you never know Beau may teach Derek a thing or two, when she sees how he reacts with you. Mind you, hens are a very different species in so many ways!!!