Why are Lovebirds so mean to each other??
@CinderInMySoul (4717)
United States
March 27, 2007 4:28am CST
we have an outdoor aviary with about 20 lovebirds in it. there are nest boxes..and they are very good at reproducing themselves (lol)
however..they often act very mean to each other. the males get routinly plucked by their mates..and when there are babies..when they start coming out of the nestboxes..all the others try to bite and do actual harm.
just yesterday evening a baby that wasnt eating on its own yet, and barely had 4 flight feathers and not much down, was on the floor of the cage. with a bloodied back and one leg that it was trying not to put weight on.
i brought it inside the house and kept it warm, but by morning it was dead. this is the second baby that the others have ganged up on and damaged enough to kill.
so who in the world decided that these little boogers had any "love" like traits???
1 person likes this
4 responses
@mdarma (868)
• Singapore
29 Mar 07
From the way that you describe the situation, I believe that, this is the behaviour pattern of these Lovebirds. (Frankly I have no clue about birds)
Would it be wise to do some research and reading of these birds. Then you might, just know why. Armed with knowledge, you might be able to take some precautions and protectve measures for the baby birds.
I am really feel sorry the theses young birds
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
30 Mar 07
This is very true. If you are going to have a pet, especially one that you are breeding, you should research them thoroughly. Birds are much different than mammals and require a different type of care, especially when raising babies. In addition to that every type of bird has a different attitude regarding territory.
2 people like this
@CinderInMySoul (4717)
• United States
30 Mar 07
i have owned many breeds of parrots for about 15 years now. and am knowledgable of all the species ive owned.
i am not actually breeding the little boogers..they are just too good at it themselves.
while i totally understand that this is a typical behavior it is very frustrating since i DONT WANT to become a breeder! and it breaks my heart when it does happen. ive been trying to give away the majority of the ones i have already.
i guess i kind of lost the point of my discussion, cause i was wanting to know where and by whom the term "lovebird" came to be...since like you and others have said..this is normal behavior.
thankyou for your thoughtful responses, i do appreciate them!
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85776)
• United States
31 Mar 07
I just looked it up, and national geographic gives a video option to view to explain the term, but I just took the short version to tell me about it.
The reason they are termed "lovebirds", is because although they seem passionate to the 'outside' world, they act somewhat like humans when it is just them and their companion. They pick at each other, but other times they are as loving as a lifelong partner should be. Also, because they are usually life long partners, this gives validity to the term lovebirds. : )
1 person likes this
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
27 Mar 07
Unfortunately lovebirds are very territorial and they tend to be bullies. I have only one lovebird along with five cockatiels and 2 parakeets. Two of my cockatiels breed and twice I saw the lovebird attack one of the babies when he just started venturing out of the nest. He also chases the parakeets who enjoy taunting him.
On the other hand he can be very loving. He is sweet to me and my wife, and he is completely in love with one of my cockatiels. He preens, and feeds/regurgitates for the cockatiel and protects him if the parakeets or other cockatiels are mean.
2 people like this
@LordGregoroftheSith (667)
• United States
8 Apr 07
That is high school love!... WoW! You know I had no idea that love birds were like this. When I watched an old episode of popeye they showed to love birds and they were SUPER mean to each other. I guess they weren't lying. I didn't know this, I always assumed from their name they were kind and loving. I guess you learn something new everyday. That is sad, though.
