Should I?

[MOBoy]

A few weeks ago I found out that Martha, is a boy! :eek: My dad was talking to my mom about MAYBE getting a mate. The reason is, because he mates with his fluffy hide away toy (most of the night), and feeds it. It's really gross showing my family Martha, and he is feeding his toy. Anyway, Martha has been my baby, and I bought him alone, so I am afraid that maybe he will get jealous if I get a new bird, or he might be mean to the other bird. Also, I am scared that he might become mean to ME, and won't love me any more. Has anyone had a bird that has been alone for most of it's life and then they get a mate for it? Thanks so so much!
Taylor

[bellarains]

Taylor,

If you get Martha a mate, and that mate is a female, then you will have eggs/babies to deal with. This is something you don't want to get into if not prepared for the babies, be able to find them good homes, or be prepared to have even more birds. You can boil or addle the eggs to prevent babies, but you will still have eggs if you get a female.

Martha is perfectly fine without a mate/companion, but you can also look for him another male companion. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees that any two birds will be compatible, and you would need to be prepared for two single birds if that were the case.

As long as you keep up the everyday interaction with Martha, he would not be mean to you. He may at times prefer the company of another bird, but he will always be your fid(feathered kid). I did get Lacey almost two years after I got Bela. It has not affected our relationship at all, in fact, I now have two sweet babies:)

One other thing to keep in mind is, two birds mean double everything. Food, vet care, cleaning, etc...... It's not that much more if they are able to be caged together, but if not, yep, it's double everything.

Let us know what you decide.

[MOBoy]

Thank you. I was just thinking about how a lot of times, she seems lonely even though I pay a lot of attention to him. I will keep in mind everything that you have told me though. Thanks so much,
Taylor

[Janie]

Taylor, how did you find out Martha is a boy? Are you guessing because of the behavior (which does sound exactly like my two boys) or did you have Martha DNA'd?

I did add two birds to an existing older birds home and it has worked out very well. Oliver had been "alone" far longer than Martha, probably about 8 years, and what I found out was that he loves the company of other lovebirds. He is still very bonded to me but likes both of them. All three of mine are males. I don't wants eggs, I don't want babies and males "usually" get along better together.

I think a single bird can be very happy as long as it's getting lots of love and attention. :)

[MOBoy]

I just guessed because Martha has been mating on top of her/his toy. I am not positive though. No, I have not had her DNA tested.

My mom discussed it with me that even if I get another bird, I will have it in a seperate cage for a while until I am ready and I think that they are ready to be in a single cage together. I don't want any babies right away, I want to be completely prepared. :)