Mating lovebirds!?

[Mariana87]

Hi all!

I have a couple lovebirds (have not been sexed) for just over a yr now and i caught them mating earlier today. The bird that ive always refered to as a female, will open her wings and "present" to the other bird, and "he" mounts her for a few moments. I have also witnessed the "boy" feeding the other as a bird would feed its young by regurgitating. The boy is also a big fan of stuffing his feathers with strips of paper he cuts with his beak. (i always thought that was a very female behavioural trait??)

So im not sure what to make of this situation...How long should i expect to see eggs? And how am i to know they are fertile or not?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated, thx!

[LovelySydney]

Unfortunately you dont know if the eggs are fertile until you candle them and will see something growing inside. I am assuming you do not want to breed? There are a few methods to ensure the eggs don't develop, they are humane and done early on so your aren't necessarily "killing" anything. It is not guaranteed that they will breed, even though they are exhibiting mating behaviors. However, it is best to be prepared. The male (could also be a female) sounds like he is gathering things to make a nest, so breeding season may start soon in your home!! Best thing to do would be to take away anything that would encourage breeding - nest box, happy hut, etc. This wont stop it 100% but it might take the encouragement out of it. Keep us posted!!

[Mariana87]

thx Sydney!

I would love the experience of raising a baby bird, so i dont mind...But that said, no more than one because i just dont have room for an aviary in my home :p
Ill just have to keep a very close eye on them two lol

Really appreciate your input!

[shosh]

unfortunately, you can't control how many eggs they lay so hoping for one is probably not realistic...they often lay several. And, of course, as mentioned unless you have them sexed, you may not know if you've got a male and female or two of the same sex. Lovebirds seem to like to "do it" regardless of whether or not you've got one of each sex.