Minimum amount of time to spend with a lovie?

[HaleBoppPeachyluv]

I'm currently living alone, so when I go to work, or have to run errands, my brand new baby lovie is ALONE. I juuuust got him on Sunday. His name is now Makali'i which is Hawaiian for "little eyes" or "little stars" and is the name for the constellation Pleides.

The last time I had a baby lovie was over 10 years ago, and I was still living at home, and someone would be home most of the time.

Since it's just me and the new bebeh, I am so anxious about leaving him alone during the day (I leave the radio on) and I feel guilty about leaving him in the cage while trying to get work done...he runs back and forth along the bottom of his cage & looks at me forlornly. When he's out, he stretches his wings, sits on my finger, or explores & if things get too scary, makes a beeline for my head. He's partially clipped, tho i may need to get that redone as he can go UP too easily for my comfort.

he's already started lettting me skritch his head.

Honestly, how much time do i need spend with him/handling to make sure he's getting enough affection, isn't too lonely, and doesnt become nervous or maladjusted, or a plucker? I don't want to give him a complex.

tia!

[bellarains]

Hi Tia,

I would say those of us that work full time only manage about 1-2 hours a day of quality time with our birds. That is not to say it is an hour at a time, but maybe 4 times a day for 15-20 minutes or so at each outing. Of course you always have the weekends to give a little extra;)

I too was concerned about my birds not getting enough attention due to the fact that I work full time, and that was the reason I got a friend for my Bela. Beware though, they are addictive, and if you have a pair, you could have babies. There are things to consider when adding another bird, mainly you want to know the sex of your little one, and then know the sex of the bird you are considering. Then of course, there are no guarantees that two birds will get along, so you have to be prepared for seperate cages, etc... if that happens.

I do have two birds, Green Cheeks, that don't get along, but they are still good company for one another in their side by side, seperate cages. I guess what I'm saying is, if time is an issue, you may want to consider getting a companion for your little one, but it is not necessary, as he will adjust to the time you can give him. It is a personal decision, and I will give you my personal thoughts on it, but I believe everybirdie deserves someone to share their life with. Again, that's just my personal feelings, as there are plenty of happy single fids as well:)