One Lovebird or Two?

[Woods]

Hey there! So I'll be a first time bird owner, however my 2 roommates have both owned 2 birds themselves before. I currently own and have owned tons of animals including chickens, dogs, squirrels, turtles, tortoises, fish, fish, more fish, chickens again, few more dogs, many guinea pigs, tons of rabbits, hamsters, etc. Some animals I'm sure I forgot. But as you can see I love animals and work well with them lol.


So cage size wouldn't be the issue. I plan on building a very large cage. I'll be gone from home during the day but I'd still be able to dedicate several hours to them every single day. I'm trying to keep initial costs lowered, but periodic maintenance costs wouldn't bother me either way. Any other questions, just let me know. I ask this because not only do I want the bird to be as happy as possible, but I also want it to be attached to me. Thanks so much for the help!! I can't wait to explore the forum more and learn more about birdies!!

 

[noodles123]

If you own 2, you should make sure they are the same gender and proceed with caution (as birds don't always get along). There are pros and cons to single and double bird ownership, but as a first-time owner, you will probably bond more easily with your bird if you get one (assuming you have enough time to invest...otherwise, you may want to consider getting 2 of the same gender?)

 

[Woods]

If you own 2, you should make sure they are the same gender and proceed with caution (as birds don't always get along). There are pros and cons to single and double bird ownership, but as a first-time owner, you will probably bond more easily with your bird if you get one (assuming you have enough time to invest...otherwise, you may want to consider getting 2 of the same gender?)

Okay gotcha thank you! That's pretty much the interaction I was curious about. I think that solves my question. I'll just be getting one so we bond easier considering I have plenty of time and passion to put into it. Will it be lonely or anything during the day if I'm giving it tons of attention afternoon?

 

[noodles123]

It is possible---they are flock animals. At the same time, they are creatures of habit, so a solid routine goes a long way as long as needs are being met at some point.


I have an Umbrella Cockatoo (and though I have known a lot of birds) you might wait to hear from others and see what their opinions are on the matter.


Good luck!

 

[Woods]

It is possible---they are flock animals. At the same time, they are creatures of habit, so a solid routine goes a long way as long as needs are being met at some point.


I have an Umbrella Cockatoo (and though I have known a lot of birds) you might wait to hear from others and see what their opinions are on the matter.


Good luck!

Gotcha thanks for sharing your knowledge!

 

[noodles123]

Also- random thought:
Since you haven't had a bird before, how much do you know about Teflon/PTFE/PFOA etc and respiratory hazard for birds? Basically, Teflon/PTFE/PFOA and fluroplastics are hidden on and inside of many things that heat (it can be a colored or black coating, a clear-coat on metal or microwavable papers/parchment, a thread component that is woven into heat resistant fabrics and/or it can be mixed into a metal amalgam during the molding process... Basically, if it heats, there is a very high chance that it contains these deadly chemicals, either inside or out (deadly, that is, to birds). Walls and doors do not protect from Teflon, so if you have it and are getting a bird, plan to get rid of it ahead of time. Common sources: Curlers, curling irons, irons, ironing board covers, rice-cookers, air fryers, drip trays, roasting pans, frying pans, humidifiers, space heaters, self-cleaning ovens, heat lamps, microwaves, air-poppers, slow cookers, toasters, toaster ovens, flat irons, bake-in-a-bag meals and even some varieties of microwave meals and microwave popcorn bags.

Also, FYI, you are going to have to stop using non-avian safe chemical cleaners (AKA 99% of household cleaners), candles and anything with a scent (including air fresheners, perfumes, carpet cleaners, nail polish, etc). Fabreeze is a prime example of a very dangerous household chemical that seems benign until you have birds.

Birds' lungs are very sensitive---much more so than mammals.

If building a cage, beware of lead, zinc, and copper...Galvanized metals are often hazardous as well. Basically, stainless steel is by far the safest (aluminum isn't too bad, but it isn't sturdy and there is some controversy surrounding it). In terms of wood, plywood is NOT safe (chemically treated and power-blasted).

 

[ChristaNL]

How about "dont" ...
I do not want to be a party-pooper but lovebirds are not the friendiest parrots you can keep and are known to have huge agression-issues with their mates/ not-mates once they mature.
(Human and birdy-mates btw)


(maybe get a tiel instead?)


If you have one or (even more miraculous) a few that get along peacefully with humans or their own kind it is *the* cutest thing ever, but the chances of that happening are slim!


Oh and all parrots eat wood aka cages!
(that is why we usually spent half a fortune on welded etc. cages)


There is no way you can keep any parrot "on the cheap" - it always backfires.

 

[itzjbean]

First, start saving. Plan for around $500 for a new bird, cage, toys, perches and food. There will be a continued expense of around $20-$50 a month on food and toys that will be shredded.
Don't skimp on your ideal bird, cage, toys or perches. In the long run you will end up having to spend more on these things if they're cheap and not quality.

Don't make a cage, especially if its wood, they will chew through that SO fast. There are some great flight cages on Amazon that ship for free. I have two cockatiels and they sharea roomy double flight cage. I expect to add another in 2019 but for now it suits the two of them just fine. It was $200 shipped on Amazon.

Second, really think about the kind of relationship you want with your bird. Lovebirds are known to be aggressive once they hit maturity and if not handled daily, will become more 'wild' and will be prone to pairing if you get two of them. Cockatiels on the other hand can be very tame and stay friendly even with other bids around. I have two and they are the best!

It does depend on where you get your bid. You will find the healthiest, friendliest weaned baby birds from breeders who usually charge way less than pet stores and generally have more tame birds. But you will have to research to find some in your area or be willing to travel for the right one.

Diet is important and you don't want to skimp on that, either. All parrots thrive on a diet including fresh veggies, supplemented with fruit and a quality seed and pellet mix.

 

[Woods]

Also- random thought:
Since you haven't had a bird before, how much do you know about Teflon/PTFE/PFOA etc and respiratory hazard for birds? Basically, Teflon/PTFE/PFOA and fluroplastics are hidden on and inside of many things that heat (it can be a colored or black coating, a clear-coat on metal or microwavable papers/parchment, a thread component that is woven into heat resistant fabrics and/or it can be mixed into a metal amalgam during the molding process... Basically, if it heats, there is a very high chance that it contains these deadly chemicals, either inside or out (deadly, that is, to birds). Walls and doors do not protect from Teflon, so if you have it and are getting a bird, plan to get rid of it ahead of time. Common sources: Curlers, curling irons, irons, ironing board covers, rice-cookers, air fryers, drip trays, roasting pans, frying pans, humidifiers, space heaters, self-cleaning ovens, heat lamps, microwaves, air-poppers, slow cookers, toasters, toaster ovens, flat irons, bake-in-a-bag meals and even some varieties of microwave meals and microwave popcorn bags.

Also, FYI, you are going to have to stop using non-avian safe chemical cleaners (AKA 99% of household cleaners), candles and anything with a scent (including air fresheners, perfumes, carpet cleaners, nail polish, etc). Fabreeze is a prime example of a very dangerous household chemical that seems benign until you have birds.

Birds' lungs are very sensitive---much more so than mammals.

If building a cage, beware of lead, zinc, and copper...Galvanized metals are often hazardous as well. Basically, stainless steel is by far the safest (aluminum isn't too bad, but it isn't sturdy and there is some controversy surrounding it). In terms of wood, plywood is NOT safe (chemically treated and power-blasted).

Didn't know any of that thank you! Fortunately I never buy plastic products for any of my animals but I will have to be aware of the metal. The cage will be made out of raw wood and chicken wire. What are some good brands of food to buy?

 

[Woods]

How about "dont" ...
I do not want to be a party-pooper but lovebirds are not the friendiest parrots you can keep and are known to have huge agression-issues with their mates/ not-mates once they mature.
(Human and birdy-mates btw)


(maybe get a tiel instead?)


If you have one or (even more miraculous) a few that get along peacefully with humans or their own kind is is *the* cutest thing ever, but the chances of that happening are slim!

l
Oh and all parrots eat wood aka cages!
(that is why we usually spent half a fortune on welded etc. cages)


There is no way you can keep any parrot "on the cheap" - it always backfires.

Yeah I've seen about their aggression but it doesn't bother me. I absolutely love working with animals to make them have pleasant personalities. Sometimes they come a long ways sometimes they don't but it's just all fun for me. I've built tons of cages for all types of wood lovers so I'm used to it all. Replace the wood when it needs replacing. All my cages are built to make repairs easy. And my budget is about $200-300 which isn't small but also isn't thousands of dollars.

 

[Woods]

First, start saving. Plan for around $500 for a new bird, cage, toys, perches and food. There will be a continued expense of around $20-$50 a month on food and toys that will be shredded.
Don't skimp on your ideal bird, cage, toys or perches. In the long run you will end up having to spend more on these things if they're cheap and not quality.

Don't make a cage, especially if its wood, they will chew through that SO fast. There are some great flight cages on Amazon that ship for free. I have two cockatiels and they sharea roomy double flight cage. I expect to add another in 2019 but for now it suits the two of them just fine. It was $200 shipped on Amazon.

Second, really think about the kind of relationship you want with your bird. Lovebirds are known to be aggressive once they hit maturity and if not handled daily, will become more 'wild' and will be prone to pairing if you get two of them. Cockatiels on the other hand can be very tame and stay friendly even with other bids around. I have two and they are the best!

It does depend on where you get your bid. You will find the healthiest, friendliest weaned baby birds from breeders who usually charge way less than pet stores and generally have more tame birds. But you will have to research to find some in your area or be willing to travel for the right one.

Diet is important and you don't want to skimp on that, either. All parrots thrive on a diet including fresh veggies, supplemented with fruit and a quality seed and pellet mix.

Yeah the budget seems good. Wood cage is my best option since all my cages are built for easy repairing. I also have several hours a day to handle them. I absolutely love birds of all kinds. Side note, even though chickens are totally different, I want to say they're one of my favorite animals lol. Luckily I live in a good area which breeders seem to sell for much cheaper than what I've seen. Most Lovebirds seem to be $35. I have spoiled guinea pigs so the birds will have plenty of veggies to be spoiled with haha. Do they love mealworms or no?

 

[ChristaNL]

yes they love mealworms- behead those first to be sure they do not gnaw their way out of the bird again. BUT they are a bit rich for them, so do not overdo it.
Parrots and (consuming and then getting) fat is an issue.

(see: fatty liver disease, could occur just as easily from too much sugar as too much fat, so mind their feeding habbits )

Parrots gnaw (more or less non-stop some days) - so if you use cheap chickenwire you will have dead parrots very fast (zinc kills rather messy by poisening them), the same goes for wood - a lot of it is not parrotsafe (anything treated with chemicals, also lot of trees/ woods are toxic by nature - but you would know that of course, but since I am not sure if you know all the parrot-safe ones ... I just had to mention it again... <sorry about that. )

 

[Woods]

yes they love mealworms- behead those first to be sure they do not gnaw their way out of the bird again. BUT they are a bit rich for them, so do not overdo it.
Parrots and (consuming and then getting) fat is an issue.

(see: fatty liver disease, could occur just as easily from too much sugar as too much fat, so mind their feeding habbits )

Parrots gnaw (more or less non-stop some days) - so if you use cheap chickenwire you will have dead parrots very fast (zinc kills rather messy by poisening them), the same goes for wood - a lot of it is not parrotsafe (anything treated with chemicals, also lot of trees/ woods are toxic by nature - but you would know that of course, but since I am not sure if you know all the parrot-safe ones ... I just had to mention it again... <sorry about that. )

I see. Yeah I'm aware of the right wire and wood thanks!! Also I usually prefer to give my pets dried mealworms compared to live, same rules apply?

 

[noodles123]

Also- random thought:
Since you haven't had a bird before, how much do you know about Teflon/PTFE/PFOA etc and respiratory hazard for birds? Basically, Teflon/PTFE/PFOA and fluroplastics are hidden on and inside of many things that heat (it can be a colored or black coating, a clear-coat on metal or microwavable papers/parchment, a thread component that is woven into heat resistant fabrics and/or it can be mixed into a metal amalgam during the molding process... Basically, if it heats, there is a very high chance that it contains these deadly chemicals, either inside or out (deadly, that is, to birds). Walls and doors do not protect from Teflon, so if you have it and are getting a bird, plan to get rid of it ahead of time. Common sources: Curlers, curling irons, irons, ironing board covers, rice-cookers, air fryers, drip trays, roasting pans, frying pans, humidifiers, space heaters, self-cleaning ovens, heat lamps, microwaves, air-poppers, slow cookers, toasters, toaster ovens, flat irons, bake-in-a-bag meals and even some varieties of microwave meals and microwave popcorn bags.

Also, FYI, you are going to have to stop using non-avian safe chemical cleaners (AKA 99% of household cleaners), candles and anything with a scent (including air fresheners, perfumes, carpet cleaners, nail polish, etc). Fabreeze is a prime example of a very dangerous household chemical that seems benign until you have birds.

Birds' lungs are very sensitive---much more so than mammals.

If building a cage, beware of lead, zinc, and copper...Galvanized metals are often hazardous as well. Basically, stainless steel is by far the safest (aluminum isn't too bad, but it isn't sturdy and there is some controversy surrounding it). In terms of wood, plywood is NOT safe (chemically treated and power-blasted).

Didn't know any of that thank you! Fortunately I never buy plastic products for any of my animals but I will have to be aware of the metal. The cage will be made out of raw wood and chicken wire. What are some good brands of food to buy?

These are typically metal objects (but not always, as in the case of certain parchment papers, ironing board covers/fabrics that heat, some popcorn bags and some microwave meals)--by far though, the majority of dangers will be in or on metal...the "plastic" doesn't look like plastic and is often literally mixed in with the metal or a transparent coating (or a thin glaze of solid color). Again, you can't often tell just by looking. A really obvious source is the coating on many pots/pans -that black/silver/grey/red coating on the cooking part (you know, the non-stick stuff that flakes over time)...THAT is a prime example of very obvious Teflon). The thing is, most isn't that obvious...and that is just one form. When it is literally mixed in with the metal, it can't flake but the fumes are just as dangerous.

You can't use it in the same house with a bird. It has to do with the fumes in the air when it is heated. There have been birds killed on separate floors of a home where someone cooked with a Teflon pan a floor below.

 

[noodles123]

Also- random thought:
Since you haven't had a bird before, how much do you know about Teflon/PTFE/PFOA etc and respiratory hazard for birds? Basically, Teflon/PTFE/PFOA and fluroplastics are hidden on and inside of many things that heat (it can be a colored or black coating, a clear-coat on metal or microwavable papers/parchment, a thread component that is woven into heat resistant fabrics and/or it can be mixed into a metal amalgam during the molding process... Basically, if it heats, there is a very high chance that it contains these deadly chemicals, either inside or out (deadly, that is, to birds). Walls and doors do not protect from Teflon, so if you have it and are getting a bird, plan to get rid of it ahead of time. Common sources: Curlers, curling irons, irons, ironing board covers, rice-cookers, air fryers, drip trays, roasting pans, frying pans, humidifiers, space heaters, self-cleaning ovens, heat lamps, microwaves, air-poppers, slow cookers, toasters, toaster ovens, flat irons, bake-in-a-bag meals and even some varieties of microwave meals and microwave popcorn bags.

Also, FYI, you are going to have to stop using non-avian safe chemical cleaners (AKA 99% of household cleaners), candles and anything with a scent (including air fresheners, perfumes, carpet cleaners, nail polish, etc). Fabreeze is a prime example of a very dangerous household chemical that seems benign until you have birds.

Birds' lungs are very sensitive---much more so than mammals.

If building a cage, beware of lead, zinc, and copper...Galvanized metals are often hazardous as well. Basically, stainless steel is by far the safest (aluminum isn't too bad, but it isn't sturdy and there is some controversy surrounding it). In terms of wood, plywood is NOT safe (chemically treated and power-blasted).

Didn't know any of that thank you! Fortunately I never buy plastic products for any of my animals but I will have to be aware of the metal. The cage will be made out of raw wood and chicken wire. What are some good brands of food to buy?

Wood won't stand up to a bird and most commercially available woods are not safe as they are power-washed and treated with chemicals to prevent rot and insect issue. Some wood (even untreated) is poisonous...just like a poison berry or something. Chicken wire is a poor choice for a parrot, as they chew and are prone to metal poisoning (you won't find stainless steel chicken wire and that is pretty much the only safe metal other than aluminum which can be snapped and bent really easily).

The wood will be chewed through so even if you could find bird-safe wood (WHICH IS VERY DIFFICULT), you bird could escape. Let's say you find a tree in nature and chop it down 1. You must ensure that the wood is not poisonous, 2. It can never have been treated with herbicides/pesticides/insecticides (as birds chew and the wood absorbs these chemicals), 3. It cannot come from a tree that is near a road where there would be roadway run-off or salt from winter weather,4. Once it has been chopped, the wood starts to breakdown immediately and the only safe way to use it (assuming it is chemical free, bird safe etc) is to bake each piece at a high heat to kill off the nasty fungi, parasites and insects that inhabit cut wood. Domestic birds are susceptible to many illnesses and infections (all of which they hide well). Their immune systems are not comparable to wild parrots...


Also, how do you plan to disinfect a wooden cage? You can't use bleach or anything...so what is your plan for when poop/pee absorbs into it. How will you prevent mold? Birds are sooo sensitive in their respiratory function. Aspergillosis is a fungal infection of the lungs that is almost impossible to treat once contracted...and it is just one of many fungal issues that birds can get from living in moldy,dusty, unsanitary environments. Here is a link to that one:https://mickaboo.org/newsletter/apr11/art2.html
Another fun fact- peanuts are dangerous for birds (shelled or not) due to the nut's tendency to harbor the aforementioned "evil".



You need to get an actual cage...Parrots are not chickens--No rudeness intended. I very much appreciate your desire to learn etc (that is important, and I can tell you care about animals).