Adding new Lovebirds.

[Tireesix]

Yesterday while out shopping for my current Lovies, I saw a cage with 4 sorry looking Lovebirds in. The cage was only suitable for 2 at the very most. I ended up bringing two of them home (Zulu and Masai, they are about 12 weeks old and fairly tame, well, they don't bite). I swear, this is my last pair. Fortunutely, I had a spare cage at home.

Thing is, Couscous and Boobar aren't really interested in having a friendly relationship with them at the moment. They are kinda ok together when I let them out just as long as they don't get too close. Will this change over time? I mean, will they get used to each other so I don't have to watch them like a hawk? Boobar is the worst by a long shot. She goes for their feet etc if I so much as turn away for a second.

I have put the cages close together so they can see/hear each other because I want them to get used to each other. I am just wondering if there is anything else I can do to encourage a more peaceful relationship?

[Janie]

Yikes....first thing to do when bringing in a new bird(s) is a full 30 day quarantine. Different cages and different rooms, not even sharing the same air space. Second, take the new birds to an avian vet and have them checked to be as sure as possible that they are not carrying anything they could pass on to your birds.

After the quarantine you can slowly introduce them but if each pair is bonded they might not want to become "one" flock and it's possible they won't get along well enough to be out at the same time.

[Tireesix]

The Lovies all came from the same place with only a couple of weeks between them, this is the only reason I decided it would be ok to get them. I wouldn't have done so otherwise because we don't have a room to quarantine them in.

They don't seem to be troubling each other as much this evening though, in fact, they all seem kinda chilled so fingers crossed.........

[carrier]

In all cases, when bringing any new lovies home, a well-birdie exam by a qualified avian vet is necessary. I suggest if you haven't taken Couscous and Boobar to see a vet yet, you make an appointment to bring all four in.

Birds hide any signs of illness very well, and unfortunately it can be too late once they actually do show any symptoms of not feeling well.

In my personal opinion, It is always better to err on the side of caution than to end up with something tragic happening due to irresponsibility on the owners part. Not to sound harsh, but deciding to care for and love any animal requires a commitment to thier health and well being. This includes the necessary vet visits and quarantine.

Good luck!