Wanting a loveable Lovebird

[MichaelC]

I have 2 lovebirds. The first birds I have owned. Got them from a guy who was moving and needed to get rid of them. I have had them for about 6 mos. The guy said they were 10 mos. old when I bought them. I have caged them together since I have owned them. I am thinking of selling or giving away 1 of them. I want 1 to be more affectionate towards me and not have them 'loving' each other. What are your opinions on this situation?

[Lori L]

I think that will daily interaction with each you can keep them attached to you as well as to each other. Lovebirds, especially, need lots of human interaction to remain tame. Definitely having one will pretty much ensure it will bond to you and only you but again, even a single lovie must be touched and handled daily for a significant period of time.

[Christine9]

I have four lovebirds. Razzle is 2, Hunny is almost 1, and Jellybean and Windy are 4 months. All four of them would rather be with me then with another of the lovies. Of all my 7 birds, my lovies are the ones that will not spend much time on their playgyms- they make every effort and take every opportunity to be with me. Lovies are sometimes referred to as velcro birds, because they like to stick with you.

And as far as separating them, they are still young, so I doubt that doing so will "cause the death of the other one". Windy and Jellybean, though not related, were handfed together and housed together until I purchased them. I separated them immediately after bringing them home and they are fine. Not to say that yours may react the same way, but you can always try it. It's worth a shot, as it is very possible to have each one bond with you if they are in separated cages.

Anyways, good luck with your new lovies. They are terrific birds!

[Adi]

Bit late on this topic but when I saw it I just had to add my opinion.

I've had my lovebird Sunny since he was about 3 months old and he is now two. And if I can describe him by one word it is definitely loveable. He will curiously fly to just about any stranger within seconds of seeing them just to get some attention. He loves other people but adores me, he'll come flying for me in the house if he hears just one word out of my mouth! He loves cudding and loves scratches, of course lovies do have a bit of an attitude so he'll let me know when the right time is. Lovebirds definitely have a mind of their own but it doesn't mean they can't be well trained, loveable companions. I even have mine well on his way to pooping on command, he'll only have the occasional mistake.

Now about the myth that Lovebirds need to be kept in pairs... all wrong!!!!! They don't have to kept in pairs, and will not die if they are separated. Basically they're just like any other parrot in this department, they just got the reputation because they are often seen cuddling together. I guess that's just something Lovebirds do.... cuddling... doesn't have to be with another bird, mine cuddles his toy for his afternoon nap! Sometimes birds will have a hard time being separated but only if they are too closely bonded, it has nothing to do with being a Lovebird.

Your best bet is to try keeping them in separate cages for a while and see how they react. Birds don't have to be kept together to keep eachother company, and you'll have a much easier time bonding with them if they are separated.

[Nasal_Tufts]

I would get another cage and house them apart to try to get them more attatched to you. Lovebirds need LOTS of human interaction inorder for them to stay tame. I've got some birds and I've tried to tame them down, even splitting them up like I mentioned and I had no luck what so ever. But lovebirds are in general not all that loveable. They one of the most aggressive birds I've come in contact with. Breeders have problems trying to breed them because they will kill birds they have been paired with. I was initially planning on breeding them, but not after I found out they will kill birds they are supposed to breed with. To me it's just not worth it to risk the life of a bird.

[Monica]

It's normally better to pair up birds if they are interested in eachother. It is quite possible for them to kill their mates, or even their own chicks. If raised or tamed right however, they can be very loveable birds! I once had one for a while. When I first had her she was a little devil! However, I was able to tame her down and she became very sweet! She even didn't mind it if I held her on her back then tossed her up into the air with her landing on my shoulder! I miss her!

[Lori L]

Males tend to stay sweet and the females can change from sweet to very territorial. I knew of a lovebird that used to be the friendliest bird to everyone and then one day she laid an egg and she cold never be touched again with out ripping your fingers open. BUT, but, but, she still had the best personality. She loved to pay with her toys and you could watch her for hours, she was a spit-fire.

[Monica]

The lovie I once had was an egg layer, and pretty aggressive when I got her. It really does depend though on how they are handled when young and as they mature.