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My mom caught a lovebird hanging out in her neighbors yard. Nobody claimed it or wanted it, my mom's cat wanted to eat it, so I took it. I've never had a lovebird, although I have had a conure. I'm finding many similarities.
I've had him for almost a week. He was extremely hungry and thirsty when my mom caught him. Now he doesn't gorge himself anyway. He likes to take treats from my hand, but doesn't trust peoples hands very much (ouch!). I wasn't too surprised about that. He hasn't allowed me to give him a good look over. I'm guessing he has mites or lice because the itching is driving him crazy. I ordered some spray, but how much do I put on him?
When he saw his cage he actually flew to it and hopped right in. He obviously had a home. He even was so happy he took a bath in his water dish within the first 5 minutes! He investigates and plays with his toys.
I'm guessing he was loose for a while. He mimics a couple different wild bird songs pretty well. His cage is by a window which I open to help the transition. This morning he was going crazy like he needed to get out and was doing a rescue me call to the birds out side. I did notice there were a bunch of birds very close to the window flying around, so he must be fluent in their language. I was feeling horrible at that moment for locking him into a cage. I know there's no way a lutino would survive in the wild, let alone winter temps. He's settled down now, but still tries talking to the birds outside.
He has already come up with a special call and cluck for me. He'll even sometimes just call to me to see if I'm near. I respond and he's fine.
I would like to know if there's a source for lovebird talk. I'm not sure on some of his body language and sounds. I just don't want to be getting the wrong signal.
Also, I understand I need to be patient with him, but any ideas on letting him know the pecking order is me first, that I'm not going to hit or hurt him, but this biting is not allowed. He freaks out when ever there is running water, so I'm guessing a past owner used to spray him with the kitchen sprayer nozzle. I'm spending time every day hand feeding (sunflower seeds - his favorite). I start with feeding between the bars and work my way up to through the open door. Ya, I've gotten bite a few times. This is getting long I better start with what I've got. Besides, I got to get ready for work. Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the world of Lovebird ownership! BTW, I never saw a found ad anywhere...I live in Northern MN. Did you guys post on Parrot911?

Make sure he (though it is more likely it is a female) is getting a varied diet that consists of pellets, fresh fruits and veggies, cooked beans and pasta and sprouts. Limit the amount of sunflower seeds you give it since they are basically like potato chips are for us. Make sure the cage you have is at least 18"L X 14"W X 16"H at the least and the longer/wider the better. Make sure you have plenty of toys, at least 5, and try not to give it any mirrors.

For training, you may want to clip its wings. Then you can let it out of the cage for better training sessions. Start by using a stick or you arm and ask it to step up. Then give it a treat if it does. Keep a toy in your hand for distraction if it starts to bite. You can work from there. Another good way to get them to trust you is to eat every meal by its cage. After awhile it will want to investigate your plate. Sharing food is a very good bonding experience. Every time you come into the room, talk softly to it.

As far as parrot911, I've never heard of it. I was concerned about saying 'Hey I got this bird' and everyone wanting a quick cheap way to get a bird saying it's theirs. There's no way of distinguishing it from any other one because it's not banded.

Other than the sunflowers it looks like I'm on the right path as far as care goes. I have a special soft call/chirp we share, I eat my breakfast with him/her. I eat Great Grains cereals and share. There's plenty of toys and the cage is 18" deep x 24" long x 30" high.

I'm not even close to being able to give it my arm yet. It gets right up on a stick when I have it at it's chest. I can even walk around like that.

Back to the parrot911. Tell me more.

There are two different parrot911s that I know of. One is the website http://www.911parrotalert.com/ . The other is a Yahoo group called 911ParrotAlert, I believe they are the same thing, but I am a member of the yahoo group. You go to www.yahoo.com go to groups and type in 911ParrotAlert.

The bird does not have to have a band in order to be identified. You can post the information and when someone contacts you, you ask for a picture of the bird, references, vet references and so forth. That way, they will have to prove itis their bird. Also, they can visit the bird and show you it is theirs. I know I would hate to lose any of my 11 Lovebirds!

Why do you say the bird is most likely a female? I read somewhere that the lutino color pattern is sex linked. I was confused because the article was about a male lutino x female Australian red cinnamon face (which looked just like the lutino). It said all the lutinos in the crossing would be female. Also, I thought these birds come from southwest Africa.

I searched parrot911 and there were no lovebirds of this color posted as lost in a 400 mile radius going back as far as April.

About the female comment- Yes, Lutinos are sex-linked. This means that females only need one gene of Lutino to visually look like a Lutino. Males need 2 genes (for lack of a better term). In the case that you stated, the male would have 2 Lutino genes, but he only passes on one to each baby, which means females would be a visual Lutino, since they only need one to look Lutino. Males need 2, so they would only carry the gene and not look Lutino.

It is more common for females to be Lutino since they only need one gene.

Yes, I have looked at the sites as well and have not found a missing Lovebird. I guess that means you have a new friend!

I just gotta share this. Right now she's standing on my ex's head preening his hair!. I am so jealous! She goes on his hand! Now she's on my shoulder biting me in the neck! OUCH!

Haha, yep, sounds like a little girl to me! She sounds just like my Baby Re, my Lutino in my signature!

Baby Re is a cutie! I little later in the day she was letting everybody in the family take turns letting her ride on our heads as we walked around. Luckily she didn't fertilize any of us!

So, males have different personalities?

Was she trying to mount people? I have a female who mounts her foot toys all the time. If they do mount, males will not "leave and evidence", if you know what I mean....

Males tend to have less territorial aggression compared to females, though there are exceptions. Baby Re is not territorial at all.

I guess I shouldn't say that she sounds female, it really depends on the bird. I guess I do have very personable male and very personable females. My breeder males love to jump on my head and preen my hair. I actually had one of my breeder males, Loki, get tangled in my hair because he was having so much fun dancing on my head!

Tangled in your hair?! Ouch!

No, she doesn't mount. Just likes to ride around and preen hair. I'm the only female in the family and she never climbed on my head, just stayed on my shoulder. She either doesn't care for the taste of my hair care products or has learned that women are fussy about their hair. Personally, it wouldn't bother me. The bird is more important that a messed up hair style. I guess a good hair day would be one styled by your bird! My sister-in-law has a salon. I'll have to tell her she has some competition in the family now!

AndiC wrote:I searched parrot911 and there were no lovebirds of this color posted as lost in a 400 mile radius going back as far as April.

Is the bird green with a red beak?

Code: Select all

LOST: MN, St. Paul, Green Parrot, July 5. 07 posted
Message #28294

LOST Parrot on July 5, 07. Green w/red beak.
Reward
If sighted call: 651-224-0743 651-777-6123

xposted: Pioneer Press - Twin Cities July 19. 07


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Diana Rae
http://www.911ParrotAlert.com

No, that bird that is lost is either an Alexandrine Parakeet or an Indian Ringneck Parakeet.