Blue Masked Lovebirds

Question
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Followup To
Question -
We have a pair of blue masked lovebirds.  My male continues to pull the feathers out of my female's head.  I do not know what to do.  I have provided a nestbox with nesting material, but it hasn't stopped the feather pulling and they do not seem at all interested in the nestbox or nesting material.  It has gotten so bad that my female is bald to her neck and I have separated them during the day while we are away.  Is this normal?  I'm afraid that my female will end up completely bald.  Please help me.

Thank you,
Stacy B.
Answer -
Hi, Stacy.  Thanks for posting.

From your description, I'd say your male is overpreening the female.  Pairs of parrots in the same cage often preen each other, especially pair-bonded males/females.  This is a sign of affection.  And since a bird can't preen itself on the head/around it's own neck, the other bird is doing this for it (and vice versa).  Sometimes, a bird doesn't realize it's preening the other too much resulting in loss of feathers.  This behavior is normal, however, just ensure this preening isn't malicious, i.e., is there blood being drawn?  If not, don't worry about it.  The feathers will grow back unless the feather folicles have been disturbed.  In this case, feathers will not grow back.  And this isn't necessarily bad...I have lots of bald females with their male mates.  They don't look very good, but doesn't affect their health or anything like this.  Worse that would happen is the bird might get colder in this area for lack of feathers.  

It could be a little early for your lovebirds to go to nest.  Breeding season is just now starting (unless you've provided the environment for them to begin breeding early).  Therefore, I wouldn't be too concerned about them not going to nest yet.  An increase in preening is a precursor to nesting (they become more affectionate as breeding season gets closer), as well as the male feeding the female.  Are you sure you have a true pair, i.e., have they been DNA sexed and/or you have positive proof you have a male and a female?  Also, what kind of nesting material are you referring to?  Have you placed this inside the nestbox?  If so, your pair may not like this.  Lovebirds prefer to make their nest themselves.  Place the nesting material outside the nestbox and let them carry it inside the box themselves.  Lovebirds are 1 of only a couple species of parrots who build elaborate nests (several inches deep).  They like newspaper, papertowels, etc., for making their nests.  They tear up and then tuck the paper under their wings and carry the nesting material into the nestbox themselves.  Is the nestbox big enough for the pair and about 6 babies?  Sometimes parrots won't use a nestbox that is too small and/or one they don't like.  Is the entrance hole big enough?  Sometimes parrots won't go to nest if they don't feel their babies will be safe/secure in the particular location.  Also, if they are young, it may take more time for them to go to nest than if they were a bit older.

If you can provide answers to the above and/or more details, I might be able to help further.  Thanks.

Chrys


Hi Chrys,

Yes I am postive that my lovebirds are both male and female, I had the DNA testing done on them.

The nestbox is a parakeet nestbox and I leave the nesting material on the bottom of the cage for them to take to the nestbox.  I provide newspaper, regualr copy paper, paper towels, and timothy hay.

Should I not separate them during the day now?

Thank you so much for your help.

Stacy

Answer
Hi again, Stacy.  

A parakeet-sized nestbox is too small for your lovebirds.  This is most likely why they aren't interested in it yet.  You need to provide a cockatiel-sized nestbox for your lovebirds.  You shouldn't separate them during the day if you want them to breed!  I'm sure they are very confused by this separation.  The female's feathers will likely grow back with no problems.  

Chrys