Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 10/28/2007

Question
I had my love bird for a few months befor my partner move in with me. Befor I took my bird (cuddles) to work with me on weekends. And played with him/her all the time. Cudles loved this. But since realizing someone else in in the house its like cuddles has gone wild. It bites me all the time, well anyone it will try ot bite. I still let it out of the cage only till it acts up or bite me or my partner. Is there any certain markings t tell if I have a male or female. And lately cuddles pick like crazy at its mirror and makes high pitched noises. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I was even going to buy a mate for cuddles but afraid cuddles would hurt it. I did try putting a plastic bird in its cage but cuddles seemed to attack it. Im at the end of the line here. I also have a cannary in a different cage they seem to gab alot between the 2 of them. Cuddles has lots of toys and gets treats all the time. When I give cage a good cleaning I rearange toys too as well as buy hime new ones.Help!!!!

Answer
Hi, Shirley,

It seems from your post that your bird is jealous of your relationship with your partner.  Your bird was your "partner" for a few months, now someone has come between you and the bird and your bird resents this/doesn't understand why he isn't getting the same amount of attention you gave the bird previously.  You need to continue the amount of attention you were previously giving this bird.  Birds don't have the mental ability to understand the why's of human relationships...the bird only knows his amount of attention has decreased.  The bird may feel s/he has done something wrong and this is why the decrease in attention.  The bird may associate your new partner with the decrease in attention and dislike your partner.  Your partner is a threat to the relationship your lovie feels you and the bird have together.

Lovies have to be DNA sexed...they can't be sexed visually.  Visit Zoogen or Avian Biotech Labs on the internet for information on how you can have your bird DNA sexed.  

Chrys