Question.

[atalantae]

Ok all you Lovie experts here is one for you.....

I have a male PF Lovie. I got him when he was 9 months old. He is now 3 yrs old.
I had to hand tame him and calm him down. He turned out to be one of the sweetest fids that I have.
Lately however, he hasn't been his normal self. He seems like he is lonely and doesn't tweet and mouth like he used to do.

If I were to get him a cage mate. What species of Lovie would everyone suggest. Should I stay with the PF or can I get another type of Lovie?

Thanks in advance....

[willowbirdy218]

Has his behavior changed in any other ways? Is he still eating his food? Is he still playing? I think the sudden change seems a little strange--maybe a vet check-up might be best just to rule out any illness.

I don't think that buying him a cage mate would be the best thing to do. He might bond to the new lovie and decide that he doesn't want to interact with you any more or he might become very territorial over his cage and not want another bird invading his space. Maybe you could buy another lovebird and put its cage next to your other lovebird's cage so they can still see and hear eachother and if they get along you can provide supervised out of cage time together?

If you do decide to get him a cage mate, I would definately recommend another peachface just in case they decide to mate so you don't have any hybrid babies.

Hopefully someone else can give their opinions on this, too.

[Monica]

I can't really suggest anything else! Definitely look into a vet visit first.... and if he checks out completely fine, then you can consider getting him a friend, but best to be a peachface, and it'll probably have to be quarantined first so it would need it's own cage... maybe look into getting a handraised one while your at it? Of course, there is no guarantee that two birds will ever get along...

[CrazyBirdLady]

I guess my first question is; what has changed around your lovie since you've noticed this change in his personality? Does he still get lots of attention or has he been left by himself more? Something new in the environment? When was the last time the cage was re-arranged and new toys offered? They can get bored fairly quickly. Stress in the household can effect the lovebirds as well.
When is the last time he had a well visit to the vet? Might be worth the re-assurance to schedule one for him. If diet, feces and other activity are normal; you'll want to rule out anything medical.
If you should decide to add another lovebird, first of all, make sure your bird is healthy; then I'd suggest another PF and a male, unless you want chicks. Make sure strict quarantine is adhered to. I always suggest at least 45 days, 90 days being optimal. You will also need plenty of time to allow them to become used to each other outside their cages. Do not try to put them together right away.

[atalantae]

Thank you all for answering.
With spring and summer, none of my fids have been getting the same amount of attention as they get in fall and winter.
Here the last 2 days I have been spending alot more time with him. As well as the others. He seems to have perked up. Which is a great thing!
Oh, and yes he is eating the same as always. He has never been one to play though. I do have several toys that I rotate in his cage every week. He loves the ones with the popsicle sticks on. He just shreds them to nothing.

Needless to say I have decided not to get another lovie.
As I would not want him to get territorial and aggresive towards another lovie, nor would I want him to bond with another and want nothing to do with me.

I want to thank you all for the answers.