New Lovebird?

Question
I had a pair green Fishers and the female has died. Am I better to leave the male by himself, or buy another female? I have heard that they are a little difficult to pair up. I am not intending on breeding with them.

Answer
Hi, Claire.  Thanks for posting your question.  In my experiences with lovebirds, they are no harder to pair up than any other parrot.  Most generally, lovebirds make the best pets when one is kept alone (also applies to most birds).  A myth exists that lovebirds (because of their name) should be kept in pairs.  Not true.  In your situation, it depends on your intentions with the birds.  Do you want tame, pet birds you can interact with (handling them) on a daily basis or do you keep a pair in a cage to look at/listen to?  I ask because most paired up (bonded) lovebirds do not make very good pets, especially during breeding season (females get very nasty).  Depending on how old your Fishers is/how long he was paired up with his female, he may miss her so much that he becomes depressed, lethargic, etc., thus, the need to find another mate for him.  Otherwise, you need to interact with him more frequently to make up for his loss.  Since I don't know your personal situation with the birds, it's hard for me to answer your question about whether you should purchase another female.  Therefore, use the above information to help you decide.

Be careful when selecting lovebirds because they are sexually dimorphic, meaning they have to be DNA or surgically sexed to tell male from female.  Generally, when you have a male/female bonded pair of lovebirds, 95% of the time, they will mate, lay eggs, etc., whether you intend on breeding them or not.  Are you sure you had a male/female pair?

I don't feel I've been much help to you.  If you have more questions, please come back.  

Chrys