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Birds--General/Introducing a companion lovebird

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Expert: - 9/1/2007


Question
Three years ago, one of two lovebirds died.  How do I go about introducing another lovebird to take its place.  I don't know the sex of the one that is left.  

Answer
Hi, Denny,

It would really be best to DNA sex the bird you currently have.  It only costs about $20 via Zoogen or Avian Biotech.  You can look both these Labs up on the internet.  Testing kits are free and come with instructions.  

Knowing the sex of the bird, I would recommend buying a companion bird of the opposite sex.  I recommend this because the chances of the 2 getting along well together are better if they are opposite sex.  Some same-sex lovies don't get along and some do...this depends on the individual birds involved.  Lovies can fool you...same sex can get along so well you wouldn't know they are the same sex, but on the flip side, some fight.  

To introduce them to each other, first quarantine any new birds for at least 30 days.  Then, place them side-by-side in separate cages.  Observe to see how they get along.  When you are satisfied they are getting along well enough, start letting them outside their cages together.  Observe how they get along.  If they get along well enough together outside their cages, then you can put them together in the same cage.  Watch them for a while to ensure they are compatible.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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