A friend for Poe

[Alexander]

I've been considering adopting a friend for Poe, but I'm rather at odds about the ramifications of it all. If I adopt another lovebird that happens to be female, will they go at it like rabbits and have me neck deep in babies, or do they need encouragement to breed? Is it possible to have a male - female pair that don't mate?

I'm hoping there is some way to get around having to sex the bird before adopting, as many people look at me like I'm nuts when I ask if I can pre-sex at petstores.

[DebSpace]

Hi, Alexander - I added a male in October because my female was mourning the loss of her mate. It was just a few days ago that I actually put them in the same cage together. They were caged separately, then placed in a cage with a divider down the center before being caged completely together. I'm still watching them closely in the event my hen suddenly ousts him. It can take a great deal of time to get a male and female used to each other, not to mention enamored with one another. ;) There are absolutely no guarantees for success, either, so you could potentially have two birds in separate cages indefinately. Males will often get along well when caged with another male, but quarantine and adjustment time is still extremely important. Females rarely get along well together in the same cage, but there is the occasional exception. Hope this helps.

[linda040899]

The big concern is male & female producing offspring. Once lovebirds start to breed, it can be pretty hard to stop them! If you know that Poe is a male, I would look around for a breeder and request a DNA sexed male. Any reputable breeder should be willing to sex the bird for you (cost will also be added to purchase price). If the breeder were to refuse, I would look for another breeder! The main problem with allowing birds to breed is the responsibility of finding good, loving homes for all babies. There are far too many birds in need of good homes and adding more is not a good thing.

[ottermom]

There are ways to discourage breeding between male/female pairs. Even though my two have never shown any inclination to breed, they do not have a nest box in their cage and I don't give them anything they can shred and make into a nest (OK, that's a lie, I just take out the shredded bits when they're done playing with them).

Likewise, there are ways to keep the eggs from developing if a hen does lay. I've never had to do it, so I'll let someone else describe the methods so I don't tell you wrong.

Like Linda said-there are many birds who need homes. If you decide to add to your flock, please consider rescuing a lovie in need.

Good Luck!

[bellarains]

I would also recommend getting a DNA sexed male. Hen's a wonderful little fids, and I love my little Lacey, but with a female, you will have eggs at some point.

It is nature taking it's course, and it will happen. As mentioned, there are methods to stop development, you can boil them, or addle(shake/scramble) the egg right after they are laid, with both, you need to get them right after they are laid. I will say, we've had a couple of chicks come from eggs that were addled though.

You also need to be prepared for any vet/egg laying emergency with a hen. Chances are yours may never have a problem, but if they do, vet care is needed ASAP in that case. You also have to monitor a hen closely during egg laying mode to ensure all is going as it should.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from getting a female bird, as they are wonderful little companions, but as with any pet, you need to be well informed, and make a decision from there.

Now, all that said, there are no guarantees that Poe will accept another bird if he's bonded to you. Slow introduction is key,but you also need to be prepared to have two separate birds if they don't bond. If they do, I'm sure Poe would love to have a companion of his own kind, and it is possible to do this, and have a relationship with both of them yourself. It's a big decision, and I took almost a year to make that one myself. In my case, I'm so glad I did, both for myself, and Bela:)

[Janie]

I agree, if you don't want babies, your best bet is a DNA'd male. :)