Got something in my head.... maybe you guys will take it out!

[lemonypickett]

Well gang,

I have been saving up my change to get Eddie a gigantic flight cage. Now, as I am looking at them, I have been thinking about getting another bird. :confused:

Eddie is really pretty quiet, and his "velcro-ness" has been more manageable lately.

IF I got another lovie (or maybe someone has a suggestion of another compatible species) what would happen? Could the bird noise level in the house become unbearable, and is it possible that they may fight?

What is the best sex of bird to get (as I am not sure 100% Eddie is male, but he does not show any hen type shredding, nestiness, or body language so far) if he is male?

And lastley, If you all think a female is the way to go with him, what color variety lovebird would go with him to make a baby that is "proper"?

[wilkiecoco]

laura - it hasn't been that long, if i remember correctly, that you have eddie. take your time before deciding to add another addition. a number of things could happen.

you could get another bird and they could either love or hate each other. if it is hate, then you will not be able to place them together, so it may mean individual time spent with each of them, two cages, and seperate time out with you. do you have the time to provide them with the attention they both will need?

if they love each other - great. however, if you are not 100% sure that eddie is a male, and you end up with hen/hen combo, there could be issues. if you end up with hen/male, there could be babies. i suggest you read heathers posting called the little one before you decide to breed. it is an enormous undertaking, requiring an enormous amount of time, energy and committment.

i would definitely reccommend dna testing eddie first and foremost before adding another bird, so you can then make an informed decision about what route to take. good luck with your decision. :)

[Tutti's other mommy]

I don't know!:)
But I also want another bird. After school, everyone wants Tutti on their shoulder while they do their homework. The only thing is, we are afraid Tutti might just bond with a new bird and forget us.
Oh, well...

[lemonypickett]

Thanks Robyn for that post. I have only had Eddie since mid-December.

You are probably right though, as I do not want any issues. I just love these little birds so much, I wanted more!

I agree breeding is not something I am ready for.

[cp.lovebird]

I agree with Robyn. Be sure you are prepared if you do get a pair of opposite sex lovebirds!

I got 2 lovebirds nearly 14 years ago and they turned out to be male and female. It was quite a journey of nesting, hormonal crazy hen, laying eggs and even hatching two clutches of chicks. It can be very stressful. I was worried about my hen getting eggbound plus laying eggs is very hard on a hen's health.

Now that I have a single birdie, I have debated getting another bird. However, now is not the right time for us. In the future, if we do get another lovie, I will have the bird DNA'd because I want a male! I think it would be easier on Squeaky and also on me!!

Eddie seems to be doing really well. Maybe give him and you a chance to settle in before thinking of adding to your flock? Just a thought. Good luck!

[Buy A Paper Doll]

My Milo started out as a very quiet little bird. I was concerned that he was lonely during the day so I got him a friend.

Yes they are loud, so much louder than just the one bird. And yes, sometimes they fight like cats and dogs, and sometimes they kiss and make up, and sometimes they do their best to make even more birds.

I love love love having the two birds. I know it was the right decision for Milo and me. But ohmygoodness is it a lot of work!!!

[lemonypickett]

Thanks guys. I have decided. I am a one bird woman :)

If I ever bought a huge house that they would never see or hear each other, than maybe I would reconsider.