Considering getting a second pet only Lovebird

[TheTortie]

I adopted a Lovebird a few months ago and I think it is a boy. However, I would not get another without knowing for sure what both their sexes are, as I do not want to breed Lovebirds. I am also unsure how old the fid I have is as the previous owner did not know. According to the previous owner it is probably at least 8 to 10 years old. My questions if I did decide to get another one are:
1. Is it okay to adopt a baby Lovebird when I have one that is middle age or older?
2. Would I have to keep their cages in separate rooms?
3. How do you introduce them to each other outside of the cage?
4. If they get along outside of the cage can you move one into the other's cage for them to live together or would you need to get a third cage for neutral territory? OR
5. Can they live happily in separate cages in the same room but have out of the cage time together?
Thanks for any input you may have.

[linda040899]

All my lovebirds have companions, even my personal pets, if they want one. I have several that prefer to live as singletons but those are the exceptions.

You can get a younger one to keep an older one company. I have that currently going on right now, for that matter. The older one is a known male and the younger one is a genetically sexed hen. They get along just fine. The older male is close to 10 and he has no interest in breeding so the companionship works. Two males would also be good. Hens can be a problem, even if one is older.

After quarantine and introductions, they can live together if they get along. If not, then side by side is the best option, with out of cage supervised play time unless they get along outside of the cage.

As for introductions, some lovebirds hit it off almost immediately. Others need to get to know each other in side by side cages. If the companion is a hen and you want to see if they can both live together, put her into HIS cage, as males are not usually cage dominant and will usually accept companions with the least amount of problems. With two hens, you could possibly need a third, neutral cage because of the cage dominance issue.

Hope this helps.

[TheTortie]

Thank you very much for your reply. It is great to be able to talk to someone who has lots of experience.

[momo]

Also - just be prepared that they may never live in the same cage..

4 years on - Elmo and Chicken love playing outside together but staying in the same cage will never work. Elmo sees all cages as hers. No negotiation. She bullied poor Chicken (boy) out of his happy hut the other day..

[linda040899]

Very true, momo!
Lovebirds are very unpredictable so you have to be prepared for the unexpected! They will keep you on your toes, that's for sure! :happy:

[momo]

Linda, you're right.. unpredictable & unexpected..

I had Elmo "present" herself to Chicken the other day... much to Chicken's (who I think is asexual after all these years) surprise and thought it was some trap from Elmo. :rotfl

[Maxie]

Linda, you're right.. unpredictable & unexpected..

I had Elmo "present" herself to Chicken the other day... much to Chicken's (who I think is asexual after all these years) surprise and thought it was some trap from Elmo. :rotfl

:rotfl:rotfl that is hilarious!

[linda040899]

Done as only a lovebird can do it!!! :rotfl I may live with other parrots but lovies rule!!!