Lemon broke out of her cage

[karyn674]

Hi Cathy,

I thank you for your concern. I think I might have mislead you here. I've always refered to Lemon as the F and Lime as the M, but I'm not sure. Both birds came to me as my husband brought them from a bacardi advert being filmed in Malta and they where used as props. Due to their behaviour it seemed authomatic that Lemon was the female since she was the chatter box, was dominant on Lime and even bigger in size. But I don't know for sure. Lime on the other side can be easier approached, he doesn't fly away when I approach the cage.


The choice of making him my companion is appeling, but I would like to know if I go on holiday for example, or on a new job and can't give him that much attention, will he suffer? I went to Gozo for 4 days and when I came back I found Lulu with a small part of her chin without fur. She stresses herself in our absence and it always happens with her. In fact we have decided if we go back to Gozo we will take her with us.

I never know what is worse, to leave her home in her environment, with mum to care for her, or take her with me. But definately I will be taking her with me next time and see what happens.

[Catherinedana]

Sounds like Lime might be male. Best way to tell is when he shreds the paper. . .does he put it under his tail feathers or just let it drop? Only the females put the nesting material under their feathers.

As far as leaving him on his own when you go away, yes, they do miss us a lot because we have become their substitute companion. That is why all my birds have a companion that they share their cage with. But that's not always possible and you have to decide what is best for both you and Lime. If he is approachable and seems sweet-natured then it might be nice for you to be able to handle him. Another option is to get a hand-reared, young lovebird who you can handle and then he will learn to interact with you from the new baby. If you decide to work with him alone and not get another lovebird, then let him have his mirror and leave some music on for him if you are going to be gone for long periods of time during the day. When you go away on vacation, see if you can find a pet shop or pet boarding place that specializes in birds so that he will have other birds there with him while you are gone.

Keep me posted on what you decide.

Sending love,
Cathy

P.S. Teacake and Edla say "Screeeee!"