Tell me about pet lovebirds

[usamma]

My sister in law (from India) was visiting us for a long time over the winter. She really enjoyed our budgies and conure and wanted to get herself a pet bird when she got back to India. All they have available at the pet store is lovebirds and budgies. She was more interested in the lovebirds. They were unable to sell her a baby, so she tracked down a breeder and may be able to get a baby that she can hand-feed, or get one that is just weaned by the parents. Unfortunately her options are pretty limited as far as pets go. (I told her I did not recommend an Indian Ringneck as a first bird).

I don't know much about lovebirds and what advice to give her. I know that handfeeding is not ideal for a beginning bird owner, but my sister in law is exceptionally responsible and compassionate. I know the bird would be in good hands.

Secondly, should she get one bird or two?

Thanks!

[mayaexquisite]

First, I would really try to steer her away from getting an unweaned baby. I understand you say she's responsible, but even the most experienced breeders can sometimes make fatal mistakes so she really shouldn't attempt it.

Lovebirds are wonderful and are my favorite parrot. I don't know much about any of the other species, so I can only talk about Peachfaces. They are (and this is in general because there are always exceptions):

- Loud: Their chirps are very high and shrill, but not constant all day like some birds.
- Very active: They need lots of toys and a great play gym.
- Aggressive: They think they're big birds and are not afraid to attack birds much larger than themselves. They should not be housed with any other species and should always be monitored because even the most bonded pair can end up in a fatal squabble. Hens tend to be more aggressive when they're hormonal.
- Full of personality: Each lovebird is different and unique. You may adopt/buy two lovebirds from the same breeder/clutch and one can be sweet and cuddly while the other hates hands. You just have to get to know the birds personality and work with it.

As for getting one or two, it depends on how much time your sister has available for the birds. Lovebirds are very social and demanding. If your sister is home most of the time and has enough time to give lots of attention, one bird will be just fine. If she doesn't have a lot of time, two would be better (in a LARGE cage) so they have company and lots of space to fly and move around - but most likely they will bond to each other and not her. Of course that's the price anyone pays if they don't have the time to be their birds "mate," you know?

I would also suggest getting a DNA sexed baby boy. Although there is nothing wrong with females, males tend to be less aggressive. There are a lot of people out there who have "terrors" during hormonal times with their females, but there are some people who don't have that problem. But since this would be your SIL's first bird - she may want to avoid that possible "problem" (for lack of a better word) by getting a male. And if she gets two, two males is best - as two females often get territorial and fight, and a male/female pair will end up resulting in a whole other set of problems. Much more care needs to be given to a breeding pair and it is time consuming at the very least.

Also, have you told your SIL know that birds are a big expense? Minimum yearly vet visits (obviously more often if sick), good quality pellets and seed, daily fresh veggies and other fresh foods, lots of toys to rotate weekly, etc?

If there's any other info you'd like, let me know!!

[usamma]

Thanks! :) I will pass on your reply to her in an email. Money is no problem for them-- they are very comfortable. She has sent me some links on love birds that she found and is reading. I'll let you know what happens.