lovebird addition

Question
Hi,just bought a black masked lovebird from pet shop in Toronto last weekend.Not sure if male/female.Want to get another black masked lovebird from same pet shop but they can not guarantee sex.So what pairing can be done that would be ok,like male/female I would assume ok but what about male/male,or female/female.

Or shud I have gotten a pair when first purchased or is it too late.

We both work all day and thought our lovebird needs a companion.

Thank you


ed p.  

Answer
Hi, Ed.  Thanks for posting your questions.

The best pet parrot is a single parrot in the home if you want a tame pet bird.  Birds prefer other birds to humans.  As soon as you add another bird, they will be attentive to each other and you will most likely loose any tameness and will not be able to handle either bird (in most situations).  Particularly with lovebirds!  Parrots don't have a problem being by themselves when their humans are away, as long as they have enough toys, etc., to keep them stimulated and occupied during the time you are away.  They will be so very glad to see you when you are home!

As far as sex with lovebirds go, it can go either way.  You can put 2 males together, 2 females together, or 1 of each sex.  If you have 1 of each sex, don't put up a nestbox unless you want to breed them, as they will most definitely lay eggs.  Some even lay eggs in the bottom of their cage.  Lovebirds are unique in the fact that they can bond quite successfully to another lovebird of the same sex.  You would think you have a true pair (male/female) when, in fact, they could be of the same sex.    

You can have your lovebird sexed by DNA sexing in order to be sure of it's sex.  It's inexpensive and easy to do yourself...read the website for information (you'd have to send the sample away to a lab of course).  The test kits are free, but you'd have to pay the $19.50 for the lab work and the mailing fee.  I'm in the process of moving and all my bird information is packed up!  If you visit my website at: http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html
there is information and links to DNA sexing within the website.  I apologize for this inconvenience, but perhaps you could also use some of the information on the website.   

If you need further information, please come back.  Thanks.

Chrys