Help!

[T00tsyd]

A friend has been given a lovebird in a cage. He thinks it is under a year, un-sexed, and he knows nothing. He has just called me with the news and has had him 5-6 days. He hasn't let it out and I have a gcc but didn't know where to start with advice on loverbirds. So I talked about gaining trust, asked about food - he's on seeds and not touching fresh and not bothering about toys.

I said I would send him some info. Where do I start? I have suggested this forum but he's elderly with failing health so I am not sure just how prepared he is for the learning curve involved. Am I worrying too much? I feel a bit sick. I am so shocked it's the last thing I would have expected.

 

[MonicaMc]

Within reason, care for a lovebird is about the same as a green cheek... you want a healthy, varied diet, a variety of toys, nothing to nest in, no mirrors, earning the birds trust, not forcing it, etc.

I would personally recommend pellets and seeds as the base of the diet along with fresh foods.

 

[T00tsyd]

I sent an email based on my experiences with Syd. They are still using non stick pans and have done no research at all. I am really fearful for their parrot.

 

[MonicaMc]

I sent an email based on my experiences with Syd. They are still using non stick pans and have done no research at all. I am really fearful for their parrot.

Non-stick does not equal PTFE....

With any luck, they have PTFE-Free pans!

 

[T00tsyd]

Here we are a couple of weeks later and the poor little blue lovebird is looking for a new home. My friend has decided that he is too much of a commitment. Since being with my friend it hasn't been out of the cage, it won't go near my friend, and has done very little. I feel so sorry for it. Because of the virus lockdown I have not been able to see it to assess how it is but today I have persuaded my friend to try to return it to the man who gave it to him. It turns out he breeds budgies. Other than that he will advertise it or give it to the local RSPCA.
Poor little thing. I just hope he finds a home that cares.

 

[MonicaMc]

That's great! I mean, not great... but still good that your friend is willing to find a new home for the lovebird! It would be worse to keep the poor thing there and not take care of him.

I hope he's able to find a better home!