Hey guys.
I went to the local petshop today and there is a lovely little hand-raised lovebird there. I fell totally in love with her, and am thinking of adding her to the family, but I wanted to ask some advice first.
I don't know all that much about lovies, and I'm not sure what type she is. I was a total ditz and didn't ask at the store. If I had to guess, I would say some sort of Peachface, but she was very pale, pastelly type colouring. Is that because she's young? Do the colours become more vibrant after a few molts? I ask because I do not know, not because I want her to be a brighter colour, I think she is beautiful how she is. She was kind of a pastel blue-green with a tinge of pinky colour on the cheeks, from what I remember.
Anyway, she was handtame, and very sweet. I say she because that's how I think of the bird, not because it's sexed.
Now, a few questions.
How do you guys handle your multiple birds? I would be housing both of mine in the same room, and I'm wondering if they can be handled together? I'm assuming much of this depends on the individual birds, but is there a better chance because they are both young(Poe's Hatchdate is Nov. 5, and the baby lovie is 12 weeks)? I don't want to cage them together or anything, I'd just like them to not try and kill eachother, so that they can both be out at the same time?
Is this too dangerous? And how should I go about trying it out?
Anyway. Thanks in advance, I would love any advice/opinions.
Lena and Poe.

Sounds like some sort of mutation, I don't know which as I have very little knowledge of lovebird colors but...

I would advise not getting from a pet store. There are so many pets without homes, birdies especially. By buying from them, you have a high likelihood of getting a bird from the equivalent of a puppy mill. If you want a little lovie, I'm sure you can find a nice one at a rescue. I've been bad and bought a pet or two, but I maintain the goldfish don't count and that Zatoichi was too cute and only $20 and blind, poor thing...

No no. It's not a chain store. My friend, who got my Quaker for me from a wonderful breeder, owns the store. He bred birds for about 20 years, and now he just has a little pet store. The lovie is from a friend of his, who suddenly found herself with an excess of birds, and not enough time.
Hope that clears it up a bit.
Lena.

Ah- that sounds like a much better situation. I don't have any advice for you on lovebirds or multiple bird households, though. I hear that Quakers can be very aggressive around other birds and shouldn't be trusted around smaller guys, especially.

Lovebirds are little spit fires!

I have an untame lovie who flies free in my house at night and is caged most of the time (big cage). She's a blast to watch and listen to, she's very spunky and will even go up against the bigger birds (Grey and an amazon) and always wins.
My friend has a hand tame one who is just as spunky and has learnt a couple of words.
They are great, but need a lot of handling to keep tame

did she look like this?? If so she is a dutch blue if I am not mistaken




I can't offer any advice on multiple birds, but I had a lovebird when I was a teen and I loved him SOO much, they are great companion birds, mine was very quiet and very loving. I helped to raise him and feed him from hatching, and he would cuddle up to me and just chill out on my shoulder all day and night if I let him... he also preened me. I love them so much, if I could get another I would.

Hi
"Spitfire" is a VERY diplomatic term for lovebird (which is a VERY ironic name for them, lol)
My Soleil came home a loving cuddly sweetheart, to a multiple bird home and quickly, (pardon the expression) "kicked a@$"
The are very active, vocal, social birds and have a high bullying ratio.
Terrible twos takes on a whole new meaning with lovebirds, lol
I've now dubbed her "Fang" and have had to change her environment, training, etc to resocialize her through her terrible twos. She loves only mum and will tear the hand off anyone else. She's extremely territorial about her cage. They need lots of tearing up toys to vent and distract themselves against plotting their next "take over the world" scenario.
She is really intelligent and a true joy to be around when SHE chooses it.
If you decide to take on a lovebird, DO NOT HOUSE IT WITH ANY OTHER!! and use caution when she's out with another.
I found that by keeping Soleil on a lower level (physically, within her cage and when out) this helped with the pecking order. She has her own room(helps with the competitive chatter, and proper amount of sleep). AND LOTS OF ATTENTION!!!!
Cheers