Male/Male Bonding

[Kaye]

Well, since Aleda's passing Dominick has been clinging on to the other birds for attention and interaction like I've never seen. Oliver of course hates it, and avoids him like the plague, but Cadence.. well, they're currently in the same cage, shoulders pressed against eachother eating out of a little seed dish together. (They both went in to eat so I shut the door on them so it would make catching them easier, haha).

Here's the thing. Cadence is a DNA-sexed male. I've never had 2 male Lovebirds that have gotten along.. certainly not this well. Dominick has also taken to actually regurgitating for Cadence, who accepts it. He's also done the dirty dance for Cadence a few times, clicking and whatnot.

So, there's two possibilities. Cadence is a girl (as I originally thought because of behaviors..) OR Dominick is a very open minded bird!

Does anyone have male/male pairs? What are they like with eachother? I would love to be able to cage them together if they keep this bonding up.. I think it would be good for Dominick because he misses having a bird with him all the time (he has such a big cage and he's all by him lonesome in there!) and Cadence, because ever since I got him he's been the odd one out in the flock because Aleda DESPISED him.

[Janie]

Male/male pairs are the best and yes, I have THREE males and they all get along. If you want buddies to bond and do not want eggs and babies, nothing beats a MALE buddy relationship. Just my :2cents: from experience.

[bellarains]

Kaye,

I think it's wonderful that Dominick has accepted Cadence. I know he misses Aleda, and Cadence will help fill the void in his life. I think either way, male/female, or male/male, it's companionship of their own kind, and I am so happy for you all:)

I don't have a male/male pair,mine are M/F, but Bela, although a male, doesn't seem to realize is, as they are a pair in every way, but they do not mate. It actually works very well for us, as I'm not looking to breed, but sometimes I do wish Lacey could have at least one baby:cry:

BTW, I read your tribute to Aleda, and while it had me crying again, it is beautiful, as she herself was. That's one little girl I can't wait to meet at the Rainbow Bridge.

[LauraO]

Kaye: I've had too serious male/male bonded pairs and they were great. My first lovie Zimber and his mate Squeaker, and Sage with his mate Ducky. Neither pair was forced together. There were females available but they were more interested in their same sex partners. Unfortunately, neither Squeaker nor Sage are still with us, but when they were very happy and well adjusted birds. I'm of the belief that other creatures are much more enlightened and adaptive than us humans. It sounds like Dominick is searching for a new mate, which is natural, and Cadence fits the bill. He's available and interested. If they are getting along I would definately go with it and let them live together. I'm sure both Cadence and Dominick will be happy with that situation.

Good Luck and It's great heraing from you:D :D

[butterfly1061]

Kaye,

I have to agree with Laura, Janie & Lori. I have two males who are bonded. Molly was an only bird for about the first 9 to 10 months of his life. I got Daisy hoping they would form a friendship, but that did not work out. A few months later bought Piper, but Daisy took him under her wing until about 9 months later when I bought Olivia. Well, one day I was in the birdroom cleaning and all 4 were out playing (except Molly - glued to his momma). The next thing I knew, Molly had gone into Piper's cage and befriended him. I was in shock!! :omg: Molly had NEVER been near any of the others. He would always fly away if they came near him. Today Molly & Piper are best buds :D They sleep together at night, feed each other, play only with each other, etc...:2cents:

[Kaye]

Thanks guys. I guess I didn't realize how common it was for males to bond like this. Of course, the fact that Dominick is also trying to court Cadence with much clicking and dancing.. :rofl:

They're sleeping in the same cage tonight. I'm going to leave them together whenever I'm home and then seperate them while I'm out (just in case) and see how they do. :) This is wonderful. I'm so glad they can seek comfort (for Dominick) and acceptance (for Cadence) in eachother!

[sdgilley]

Hi Kaye,
I have Peter and Luka as a male/male pair. They are happy with each other unless my hen calls them...:roll: But they've been together for more than 3 years. They sleep in the same happy hut, which is pretty cute. Like Janie said, if you're not looking for babies, males get along just fine.

Some folks have hens that pair up, but that can be tricky because of they're more territorial. But, as you see, it still happens. I think that's pretty sweet. Lovies do have a mind of their own! :lol

[Kaye]

Hehe. The boys have officially moved in together. They are doing wonderfully today, have been preening eachother most of the morning and sharing food/water just fine. I'm very happy they can be together! Thanks for the replies! :)

[Janie]

Kaye, thanks so much for the update! I'm so happy that they are happy together! :) This will help heal Dominick's little heart break after loosing Aleda and I know his happiness means so much to you.


Let me warn you, boys will be....girls sometimes! :D I watched Big Boi running around trying to sneak up on Oliver this morning to mount him! :lol Scratching that cheek, clicking like crazy and going in circles. Oliver was having none of that, thank you very much! Shy did manage to mount him one time that I saw a few months ago and he appeared to be confused but at the same time, enjoy it! I was laughing hysterically since that type behavior was all new to me. Just wanted to share that since you might see the same thing with Dominick and Cadence. :) It might get to be like living in a mens prison! :whistle: