New Baby

[Cat]

I finally decided to buy a new LoveBird for my Peachy....when I put it in the cage with Peachy I thought all hell was gonna break loose ...but to my surprise Peachy started to chirp at it and they both answered each other...then the preening began, they went into the snug together for awhile and then out on the perch for the night where they cuddled til morning

I have a question: I'm not sure of the sex of either of them....does it matter when they get on so well...or would they not except each other if they weren't male and female????

Will post a picture soon of them

[Monica]

Generally speaking, it's best to put any new bird you get into quarantine incase one bird is sick. This means a separate cage, and separate everything else.

It doesn't necessarily matter on their sexes, unless you plan on breeding.

[mayaexquisite]

Hi Cat!!

First off, please separate them to different rooms ASAP. Like Monica said, your new baby needs to be quarantined first. Even if the vet gives the new bird a clean bill of health, it doesn't mean it's not sick. Most avian illnesses are airborne, which means even if you have them in different cages in the same room, illness can still spread. Quarantine should be 30 days. Even though you've put them together already, it's still a good idea to separate them because IF this new bird has an illness there's still a chance it hasn't passed it on to the first bird.

Sex doesn't mean anything in terms of getting along, BUT two hens generally tend to not do too well together once they're of mating age. This isn't a rule, but it happens more often than not where hens will squabble and fight. Two males are fine and male/female pairings are fine, but no matter what you always want to keep an eye on them to make sure they get along.

And yes, can't wait to see pictures!!

[shosh]

Well, with regards to the two hens not getting along....I'm 95% positive I've got two girls....8 eight were laid recently and they both attended to them and both made nests and both exhibited male/female behaviour....
Anyhow, they get along like a bonded pair...totally and utterly nuts about each other....sigh...would rather they didn't LOVE each other SO much... they aren't nearly as fun when they are mommies as when they are just my babies.

I do think you are fortunate to have put your guys together so quickly and have them get along so well, so quickly...doesn't often happen with lovies. I would still keep a watchful eye....they can be quite territorial. Mine took over a month to get along...in the beginning, it was hate at first sight..at least for the resident lovie.

I do agree that quarantine would've been a good idea....it seems like a hassle but it is well worth the extra effort..it also allows you time to work with your new bird, acclimate him/her and make him more comfortable with you and his new home.

[Cat]

Thank you all for the advice i'll do that...i don't want anything happening to them now...as i've said i'm sure yet of the sexes but i sure hope it all goes well with them when i can have them out properly together!

I'll let you know how things go when the seperation time is over and see how they get on!

Again thank you for the friendly advice:)

[Chief's Mom]

When I got Patty as a friend for Petey, I already knew they were male and female. I did quarantine, but from day one, they called to each other from across the house like they were long lost lovers. I'm so glad I did quarantine because Patty ended up coming home with Lovebird Pox and treatment lasted about three months. Once she was better, I put her cage next to Petey's for two days and they clung to the sides, trying to get to each other. Obviously transition into the same cage was not difficult I now call them Petey-Patty collectively because they're always attached to each other. They sit in the food bowl together, they drink water together, they preen together, always together. If they got along great from day one, they should be fine after quarantine as well. It really doesn't matter what sex they are, unless you're trying to discourage breeding.