Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 10/18/2006

Question
how long does it take for lovebird's to pair and would itbe harmful if they are split-up?  I have been wacthing my daughter's love bird for about a week and i think that it may have pair with my lovebird however my daughter will be back soon and will take her lovebird back, can they be split or should i just get my daughter a new bird?

Answer
Hi, Roger.  Thanks for posting!

It depends on the individual birds how long it takes for them to pair-bond, if they even are compatible to begin with.  If these lovebirds were pair-bonded, you'd see the male feeding the female beak-to-beak.  Two parrots can like each other enough to preen each other and the like, but feeding beak-to-beak is a good clue to indicate pair-bonding.  Also, nesting behavior is a good sign of being bonded...lovebirds will shred paper or similar and tuck the pieces in their wing feathers for carrying to a location where they will build an elaborate nest.  However, I'd say if these birds have only been together a week, this isn't enough time.

Yes, they can be split.  One or both might show signs of depression, lonliness, etc., or neither might exhibit these signs.  This also depends on the individual birds.  But I have to say that birds prefer other birds to humans, so don't be surprised if one or the other lovie acts a bit differently.  However, each will get over this quickly.  I do not recommend buying another bird.  This will start a whole new set of issues!

Come back with any questions.

Chrys