Comments on: Breeding Lovebirds in Captivity: an Introduction

By: findiviglio

findiviglio — Mon, 13 May 2013 02:31:51 +0000

My pleasure..many are like that, they act far “bigger” than their bodies; not sure if I mentioned in past, but a small group I kept at the zoo (peach faced) would chase small antelopes away from food pans! The water dish etc stuff is common also, mainly re-direced energy, etc…in the wild they are always on the go, cover lots of ground, always squabbling with flock members, etc. almost impossible to keep them busy at home. Hope all goes well, Frank

By: SHANYN HUMPHRY

SHANYN HUMPHRY — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:42:47 +0000

THANKS FOR THE SPEEDY REPLY FRANK! WILL TRY YOUR TRICK & LET HER RUN HER COURSE. SHE IS A VERY CRABBY PATTY & WE FEARED GETTING ANOTHER LOVEBIRD FOR THAT REASON. SOOOO-WE ARE FEEDING A HIGH QUALITY PELLET FOOD SHE HAS BEEN ON SINCE DAY 1-NOT A BIG FAN OF FRUITS AND VEGGIES WHEN OFFERED HAHA FREQUENT WATER CHANGES AS SHE IS DISGUSTING IN THROWING ANYTHING & EVERYTHING IN HER DISH TO THE POINT OF EMPTYING IT OUT ALL ONTO THE FLOOR! LOVE HER TO DEATH BUT, DOUBT I WOULD EVER CONSIDER GETTING ANOTHER AS SHE IS SOOOO HIGH MAINTENANCE! UUGGHHHH MAYBE SHE IS JUST A MISFIT HAHA WILL KEEP YOU POSTED TOMORROW SHOULD BE EGG # 2 DAY-SHE USUALLY LAYS 4 TO 6

By: findiviglio

findiviglio — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:18:02 +0000

Hello Shanyn,

Thanks for the update and kind words. Trying another male would be a risk, although with her being so intent on nesting it may work; unfortunately, no way to predict, ..they can be picky.

Continued laying is a drain…be sure she is getting plenty of Calcium and a good diet. Best to leave the eggs until she abandons them (usually a few days after the entire incubation period ends, 23-28 days). Pulling before then often stimulates production of a replacement clutch (we do this in zoos in order to obtain 2 clutches from rare species); she may still lay again, but it is less likely if she broods and they do not hatch.

Pl keep me posted, best, Frank

By: SHANYN HUMPHRY

SHANYN HUMPHRY — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:04:51 +0000

HELLO FROM GEORGIA! WE WROTE YOU FOREVER (A COUPLE OF YEARS) AGO ABOUT LOSING OUR LOVEBIRD GEORGE & HOW BEST TO HELP OUR GRACIE COPE. SHE IS DOING WELL & FEISTY BUT, IS THE MESSIEST BIRD I KNOW! SHREDS HER PAPER TOWEL CAGE FLOORING DAILY AS SHE TRIES TO WEAVE THE STRIPS INTO THE BARS! SHE IS IN FULL NEST MAKING MODE 24/7 365 DAYS A YEAR WE HAVE RADIO PLAYING DURING THE DAY & SHE HAS 2 VERY VOCAL- ACTIVE YOUNG PARAKEETS IN THE CAGE RIGHT NEXT TO HER ALSO A WINDOW TO LOOK OUT. SHE LAYS EGGS SEVERAL TIMES AYEAR & HAS JUST STARTED AGAIN. AT FIRST WE LET HER KEEP THEM FOR A FEW DAYS HOPING TO SLOW HER DOWN-NO. THEN, WE REMOVED THEM AS SOON AS WE FOUND THEM PROVIDING TOYS & TREATS FOR DISTRACTION BUT, SHE CONTINUES. THIS IS FINE WITH US BUT, NOT SURE THIS CAN BE GOOD FOR HER. YOU RECOMMENDED NOT TO GET ANOTHER LOVEBIRD AS SHE WAS SOOO ATTACHED TO GEORGE. BUT, I AM WONDERING WHAT WE CAN DO FOR HER? WE WANT HER TO BE AS HAPPY AS POSSIBLE & HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE THANKS -WE VALUE YOUR GUIDANCE

By: findiviglio

findiviglio — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:33:25 +0000

Hi Melissa,

Unusual but as long as you do not see any signs of straining, lethargy etc that might indicate retained eggs or a blockage, no need for concern. Pl keep me posted, Best, Frank

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:58:39 +0000

Aloha Frank,
I am completely confused now. I watched each day to see if the birds layed more eggs. Last Sunday there were still only 6 eggs. All week there were only six eggs. Now this morning there are 7. Is it common to have such a large break between laying? I’m a bit concerned now.

Mahalo,
Melissa

By: findiviglio

findiviglio — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:31:45 +0000

Thanks, Melissa,

A friend worked with brds there long ago…said great things about the collection.

Good luck, I’ll look for your updates, best, Frank

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:11:44 +0000

We’ve had a couple of cool days here this past week. I think it only reached 72 for a high

I miss the east coast winters sometimes…but it only lasts a few seconds
I prefer the exotic and tropical locations because I do not like to be indoors. The Honolulu zoo is not the greatest, but they do have a huge assortment of birds.

Ill let you know how the birds progress on the nest.

Mahalo
Melissa

By: findiviglio

findiviglio — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:16:57 +0000

Hi Melissa,

Glad to be of help.

No need to add any more Calcium if they are using cuttle and oyster shell. Okay to provide it ad-lib, they generally take what they need and do not have problems.

Start from last egg, no need to be too specific, some birds sit a little longer than others, but usually an “internal clock” will alert them to abandon the nest.

Spring had been progressing nicely here in NY, but last night temps dropped to 35 F, and cool today, so I’m jealous of your locale!

Pl keep me posted, best, frank

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:50:48 +0000

Aloha Frank,

Thank you for your help.

They have multiple cuttle bones that they always chew on as well as oyster shell that I add to their food. Is that enough or should I add a supplement to their water? I’ve read that it’s not a good method because you can’t control how much they’re getting. Also, should I start the 25 days from the first or last egg? Sorry for all the questions…as I’ve said I never intended to breed.

Mahalo,
Melissa