Hello everyone. I am considering getting a couple lovebirds. I travel quite a bit during half of the year. However I am home almost everynight, although late. I also have a husband that could care for the birds. I am thinking the birds could keep each other company as well. I have a large cage I used to keep my Amazon in. Would this be sufficient? And it is hard to find lovebirds in Montana. Are there any places that ship birds and if so is this tramatic on them? I can't imagine a bird surviving a shipment. I like the Fischers variety. And if get a male and female is it likely they will breed? I'm not sure I want to breed them because of the time I don't have to dedicate to that.

Hi - you might find the bar spacing too big - what is the spacing?

Choosing a bird ... Lovebirds are like most birds = they get up early & go to bed kind of early. There are some people here who have their birds up at night. I think a lot of birds will adjust & nap in a quiet home to make up for a long day. The main concern would be hormonal - if they didn't get enough sleep.

I really liked the sound of the lovebird as well, when I was looking around. The Fisher is a beauty. I have read tho that the Peach face is the most tamable - even tho it can get a reputation for being bossy you will enjoy reading Jim Pierce's stories about Benji & Cricket. Having more than one can be a challenge but a good idea if they are to be alone a lot.

Are you around to enjoy them on the weekend & the other 1/2 of the year?. I have to say your hours sound more like a cat person's [I am still a cat person]. My husband is a bird person in his hours & that helped with having our guys.

Have you considered looking at re-homed birds? A lot are already tame but aren't working out for many reasons. They often come with cages so that's a help in the beginning.

Hope you find the right fit for you.

I haven't any experience with lovebirds, we have mostly macaws although we had two of our sweet hawkheads flown to us from different parts of the country. It isn't my preference, but if anyone does that it will be important to do it during a time of year that is not hot. Obviously short distances are best. If you decided to do it, I would recommend a straight through flight with no layovers.

I think if you work, having buddies is a good idea so they have another member of their flock in the same room to chat with at least. In my experience they are happier. Housing them together is not always successful. I am sure others with more experience with lovebirds will chime in.

The slats are about 1 - 1 1/4 inches wide. I would definately take a re home. Living in Montana makes it difficult although I would consider travelling a sort of long distance to get one. My yellow nape was my best friend and I lost him in July. I don't want another one because I'll always compare them. Louie was situated in my laundry room and I just read today on these boards that I shouldn't have a bird in a laundry room due to dryers giving off Carbon Monoxide. Maybe this is what killed him. I don't think Carbon Monoxide would cause him to bleed to death thru Diarreah would it. I am also thinking maybe I fed him too much seed diet and he got liver disease. He got sick and 24 hours later he was gone. I am wracking my brain figuring out what I did wrong.

You are obviously still grieving. What you just mentioned could have been any number of things.

Try not to beat yourself up but at the same time it is good to think & learn about avoiding troubles. Many of us look back & think we could have been more educated or done better. The point is you are growing as we are & hopefully together we can help give our birds a better chance. There are lots here who have experience or know of references.

I think the bars are too big for a Lovie - check out Hannah's cage cage set up for Hannah, and new toy i made - you will need to go up in size to fit the cage - or trade for a different cage. I understand you not wanting another Zon. IRNs or Greys might be a good fit [maybe someone else has some suggestions]- but any bird needs a lot of companionship if not a pal. Is your husband also interested in birds & can offer lots of companionship?

You have to be very careful with lovebirds because they are difficult to keep from breeding when kept in a cage and do tend to become chronic layers if you don't keep them to a strict natural daylight schedule which, with your work schedule, you won't be able to do. And getting two males doen't help (you cannot put two females together) because they are also prone to plucking and self-mutilating if they become sexually frustrated.

I would suggest you do more research as to what is needed to keep birds healthy and happy (yes, a laundry room is a bad place for a bird and seed should be a very small portion of their diet, only) and about different species but, I might as well tell you that, with your schedule, I don't think a bird is the pet for you.

Hi Paula, I remember when you lost your Zon, that was so tragic, and please know that we wanted desperately to do more to help when he was sick, but were just helpless. I know you miss him terribly. You've gotten some good advice about the cage already, and its certainly true from what I've read that Lovies can have problems with chronic laying and frustration. With your busy life, I think a lot depends on how your husband feels about having another bird. Does he enjoy them as much as you do? They can be so terrifically difficult to keep happy if you can't devote the time they need from us to be happy. Tremendously rewarding, but there really isn't anything particularly 'easy' about caring for them. I know you already know that. Not trying to discourage you, if you both are committed, it can work.

I've been thinking about you & hope you are doing OK.

I wanted to ask you what it is about Parrots you like over say having some song birds?
Have you given it any thought; about getting maybe Java Finches or Canary in a nice set up? IF you love to watch birds & interact, they offer a lot. Because you usually get finches in bunches, they will be with friends and won't need you so desperately for companionship. When you are around they will be interested & very entertaining. This is no put down to small birds - at all - when I say their cages can be centerpieces in a room & their beauty & song a wonderful ambiance. Both you & Your husband would enjoy that without guilt. [check out the amazing cage I found - in the Budgie cage thread #1]

I think you need to address your cage. I remember holding onto many of my cats effects. It took me about 6 mons to give them to a good home. I too couldn't have another at that point & the stuff was full of emotion unfortunately. I'm glad I gave it away & the kitty who has them really has a lot of fun. It made it sweeter for me. You could offer it to a rescue?
Once the cage is gone you will be able to see clearer. IMO