Hi all.

We are thinking about taking on a handreared lovebird. Have researched as much as possible and have found that most resources say they can be very aggressive to other birds. I have been told that they need to come out of their cages at seperate times to other birds and can be a bit nasty to other birds. Can any of you share your experiences with lovebirds? Do you have some that come out with other birds??  Are they really like the pirahnas of the parrot family!! Would love to hear your experiences with this little family.

Hi,

Love birds can be little horrors , we get quite a few in that are "pairs" that fight.  If they like each other that is great, if they don't then boy do they show it, by fighting or picking on each other.

Probably the best person to answer this will be Hollie as she used to have a lovely mixed "flock" of little birds, so she should be able to tell you how they get on with other birds.

Vicki

I have 2 luvvies that are not and never will bond.  One is hand reared and cuddly tame, the other was found in the street and scared of everyone and everything.  3 years on and it would be difficult for you to tell who was hand reared.

I would not trust my two together in a cage unsupervised as I am at work all day but they are fine when they have out time together for hours at a time, for me the trouble starts with food, toys.  The wild one has a couple of toes missing and is not the steadiest on his feet sometimes and I just worry that he is less able to defend himself.  They live as neighbours and seem really happy with the arrangement.

I look after a CAG one in a while and he is scared to death of one of my little luvvies, he certainly knows who rules the roost.

All in all, I wouln't swap mine for all the tea in china and they are my babies, in this case the best things definitely come in small packages.  Absolute bundles of personality and what they lack in size they make up for in sooooooooo many other ways.

In case there is any doubt, I'm a BIG BIG fan of these wonderful little birds.

Good luck!

Vicky

My hormonal lovebird killed 2 quail  And they were at least twice the size of her. It just goes to show how nasty they can be when the mood takes them. I was gutted

Oh wow Mandy, so sorry to hear that but it reassures me that keeping my 2 seperate except for play time is the right thing to do.

Dont get me wrong, Sunny has a friend, and it's a different species to her too. But she loves that friend dearly.  If they bond closely then they should be fine, but I dont think I will ever 100% trust her again.

Not yet! He is still a bit little and being handfed. There is a lot of excitement in our house though. My daughter is very keen to have a little bird this time - more her size! In the mean time we have been shopping for his new home, perches and toys. We are not done yet - his home is only half furnished - he is going to be one pampered little ball of feathers.

Will let you know when he moves in!      

Little update. Am going to visit this littlie in a week - can't wait, just bursting with excitement. Just want him to GROW FASTER so I can bring him home now!!!

When I got my sammy, I used to get an e-mailed photo every week from the day he hatched until the week he was ready for collection.  That 31/2 hour drive to Devon to colle ct him, I nearly burst with excitement.

Good luck, you're going to love him/her!!

Vicky

The breeder in Devon was called Sally, helped by a lady called Sue.

If it is the same, she has a fabulous set up and her aviaries are superb, not that breeding is a profession that I'm comfortable with but if you're going to do it, this is the way.

Vicky

Wow -Yes!! Same place - I am finding them wonderful to deal with too. Sue has been great and is very kindly letting me go up for a visit and a cuddle next week. 

The news on my little bird is that he may be home with us just after next weekend, if he carries on as well as he is. Saw him on thursday and he is sooooo absolutely beautiful. I am almost bouncing off the walls with excitement and telling anyone and everyone who will listen. Most just look at me like I have two heads - they have no idea just what a big deal this is to me!! The next you will hear is when he is home, so watch this space.

Ain't that the truth Hol. Squawk has discovered my ears despite the fact that have been in exactly the same place since he arrived 2 weeks ago!!

He does enjoy a nibble that's for sure!!

The best things as they same come in small packages!!  What more can I say Luvvies rule!