New lovebird

[Magpie030387]

I have had one lovebird for some time now. He had a friend budgerigar in the cage next to him that he loved. But the budgerigar had to be moved to my breeding colony and that left my poor lovebird (Lionel Joseph) by himself. Due to his recent behaviors that showed he just wasnt himself after losing his friend i got another lovebird. I am cautious about introducing them and want to make sure that I am doing the right things and any signs to look for. I had the new bird in quarantine and now i have their cages next to each other. The new bird (Gerdie) is very excited to see Lionel but he is not so happy about Gerdie. He seems excited at first and talks to Gerdie and sits near her but then he will also bite her if he can get close enough. She is younger than he is so i am taking extra time and care to ensure a smooth transition. Still some days are good and some not so great. Am i on the right path? And if you have done this before how does it look so far?

[bellarains]

You are absolutely on the right path. Slow introduction is the key, so just give it all the time they need. Even with the slow introduction you may have some squabbling, but there is almost always a dominant bird, and they are just setting boundaries. When they have time out together, just watch them closely, and break them up if things get too rough.

When you get ready to put them together, put them in the less dominant birds cage. This will help with the more dominant bird, as he or she will be less territorial than they are of their own cage. Start with putting them together for short periods of time, slowly extend the time, and when you are 100 % comfortable with them in the same cage. Let them sleep together. Even then, be close just in case you still need to separate them.

Also, be sure to have two food dishes, so neither is territorial of their own. They may still try to dominate the food dishes, but if you have two, they can't be in both places at one time;)

All this said, there is a chance they may never be able to share a cage, so be prepared for that. If that does happen, they are still company for each other in separate cages, but slow introduction is the key.
Good luck, and let us know how it's going.

[DebSpace]

Due to his recent behaviors that showed he just wasnt himself after losing his friend i got another lovebird.

Have both lovebirds been DNA tested to affirm their sex? If so, sounds like you are doing the right things and only time and patience will tell. :)

[Janie]

Have both lovebirds been DNA tested to affirm their sex? If so, sounds like you are doing the right things and only time and patience will tell. :)

Ditto! If you are positive about the sexes, taking it slow and easy is the best approach. Good luck! :)