Love Bird Question

[Jonny2184]

I currently own a lonely love bird.
I know they love to be with one another but she came to us alone.

She is pulling her feathers out a lot lately.
We spraw he bald spot with some stuff that should make her not want to do it but it doesnt work. And it has alcohool in it and I dont really like that idea. It must sting eh?!?!?

anyway I found a male love bird for 50 bucks and was thinking about getting him?
I've heard she might fight him to the death if we put him in now. She's a little older now.
She isnt very friendly at all in the first place. I cant put any part of my body near her or the cage. She bites really hard. But sometimes you can get her on your arm as long as you have a long sleve, you will be ok... She loves to sing and loves attention but doesnt get much because me and my dad work all day and my mom goes out as much as possible.

so does anyone think I should try to put the two together.
I fell it might make her stop pulling her feathers.??

any ideas??

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I currently own a lonely love bird.
I know they love to be with one another but she came to us alone.

Not sure about that I bought my mum a couple of love bird long ago the female died within a year and the male has been single ever since and he is now 18 years old (look like he is breaking longevity record or at least on it's way to) so I am not sure they really have to be with another because he seems to do fine alone unless he is one of those exception who knows.

I would be concerned that if you introduce a male with her and she has been alone for a while she might fight and kill him or she might stress and die I had both cases happened to me after introducing birds to each other in the past.

[Shelby]

Acutally 'lovebirds' can be vicious with each other. They do not need a companion lovebird, and if introduced improperly, they may injure or kill each other. There is likely another underlying problem causing the featherpicking. Make sure her diet is correct nutritionally for her species.. but more likely the cause is either stress or boredom. Make sure she's got a big enough cage, and that she's got some good toys and things to chew on to keep her happy. Switch them out regularly so she doesn't get bored with the same ones too.

Kara (KLG) has lovebirds, you may want to ask her for her opinion as well.

[recycling goddess]

i was going to suggest the same april.

really important that the cage is large and there are loads of toys in there. they really do love their toys!

giving lots of treats is important as well. we give our birds a spray of millet every other day... they love it.

i would not introduce another bird... there's a good chance it'll get harmed.

[Jonny2184]

Yeah she has a HUGE cage. It's almost like a Parrot cage only the bars are much smaller and closer together.

She has a few things to play with. Mirrors, bells, heart bells, sticks, a swing, and we just gave her a cuddle bone but she doesnt seem interested in that.
And she loves to bob her head when I bob my head. Kinda funny dancer she is.

There is a picture of her in my gallery if you wanna see her. She is hiding her bald spot so you dont get to see it.

I really wanted to get a second one and put them together.
Most people say dont do it but I've had a few people say put the cages next to each other and give them time to get to know each other. But if it doesnt work out I dont want to have two seperate cages.

So I guess I won't take the chance.
oh well... Thanks everyone!!!

[Wolfsnaps]

I have a brown headed parrot and have had feather picking....My bird has looked pretty bald at times and this is due to boredom, stress, poor diet, etc. Even if you have toys in there, it is important to rotate them every so often because birds are so smart and need stimulation. A good rule of thumb with nutrition is pellets and fresh fruits and veggies, and seed. Seed shouldn't be the sole food source because it is not adequate .


You may have to gain a birds trust if you acquired it as an adult. Use a perch to get the bird in and out and train it to "step up" so you can save yourself some bites.

Good luck, it sounds like this bird is going to require some "work" and patience too.

[Wolfsnaps]

As a matter of fact, here is a pic of my bird Tembi!...not to hijack, I am just a proud owner

[Jonny2184]

I've decided NOT to buy a second love bird.
I think it will be too stressful on both of them, and me as well...

You are completly correct about the rotation of toys Wolfsnaps.
I've heard many people say change their toys often. I will have to go buy a few more cool toys and see if that helps...

[SatanicIntention]

I do know that diet plays a very big role in how their feathers and skin look. A few friends of mine use Harrison's exclusively and their birds look awesome.

[Jonny2184]

I do know that diet plays a very big role in how their feathers and skin look. A few friends of mine use Harrison's exclusively and their birds look awesome.

Yeah its my dads bird so 'll let him know about the foos but we get bird seed that specifies "love bird" on it. And the bird never eats big seeds anyway.
I should try a piece of melon sometime. Wonder if she would like that?

I'm gonna buy some toys so that will be a present for my dad and especially the bird.

Cheers!