Buying a pet bird is an exciting decision, but it also requires careful consideration. Lovebirds in particular are popular pets known for their affectionate, social nature. An important question for potential lovebird owners is whether these birds should be bought and kept in pairs.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers about buying lovebirds in pairs:
- Most experts recommend buying lovebirds in pairs rather than singly.
- Lovebirds are highly social and bond very closely with other lovebirds.
- A single lovebird left alone for long periods may become lonely, bored, and depressed.
- Paired lovebirds will provide companionship and enrichment for each other.
- It’s best to get two babies, rather than an adult and baby, so they bond to each other.
- Pairs should be of the same gender to prevent breeding and aggression.
- Feeding and housing costs are doubled, but worthwhile for their wellbeing.
Lovebird Personality and Social Nature
Lovebirds are named for their affectionate personalities and close bonds with human owners. However, their social nature goes beyond humans – they also thrive when housed with other lovebirds.
In the wild, lovebirds live in large, noisy flocks. They are constantly interacting with other lovebirds through vocalizations, grooming, snuggling, and playing. Providing a flock environment for pet lovebirds allows them to engage in natural social behaviors.
Paired lovebirds will spend their time interacting with and preening their companion. They will vocalize to communicate with each other and settle squabbles through grooming or snuggling. A single lovebird simply cannot provide this same level of enrichment.
Preventing Loneliness and Boredom
Keeping a lone lovebird risks loneliness, boredom, and depression for these ultra-social birds. Lovebirds crave constant interaction, which you simply cannot provide during your workday or while running errands.
A single lovebird may seem content at first. But over time, lack of stimulation takes its toll through screaming, feather plucking, aggression, and neurotic behaviors. Getting two lovebirds ensures they have a full social life while you are away.
Easing Separation Anxiety
Paired lovebirds can ease separation anxiety when you are away. Lovebirds form intense bonds with owners and can become stressed when separated from “their flock.” Having a lovebird friend provides security and calms anxiety about being left alone.
Getting a Bonded Pair
To reap the benefits of a pair, you must carefully choose two lovebirds that are bonded to each other. Here are some tips:
- Obtain babies rather than adults. Babies will bond to each other more easily.
- Get both from the same breeder and raise together. Siblings or clutchmates are already familiar.
- Introduce adults slowly over several weeks to allow a bond to form.
- Avoid forcing birds together too quickly or they may fight.
- Watch for preening, sitting close, vocalizing, and sharing perches as signs of a bond between pairs.
Bonding Challenges with Adult Pairs
While adult lovebird pairs can be obtained, they present some challenges:
- Adults are set in their ways and may not accept a new companion.
- Carefully monitored introduction over weeks is required.
- Fighting is a risk if bonding does not occur.
- They will already be bonded to previous owners, not you.
- Training and taming takes more effort than with babies.
With effort and patience, adult pairs can become wonderful pets. But babies are ideal for establishing strong pair bonds.
Same-Sex Pairs
Lovebird pairs must be the same gender to prevent breeding and aggression. Options include:
- Two females – Avoid egg laying issues.
- Two males – Less territorial than mixed pairs.
- Never house male and female, unless breeding.
Two females are the easiest pairing. Two males can work with adequate space and supervision. Pairs should be confirmed by DNA testing or surgical sexing.
Why Lovebird Breeding Is Discouraged
Breeding is highly discouraged for pet lovebird pairs. Reasons include:
- It leads to territorial and aggressive behavior.
- Frequent, stressful egg laying is taxing for hens.
- Chicks have special nutritional and housing needs.
- There are already too many unwanted birds needing homes.
Altering bonded pairs may disrupt their relationship. So choosing the right gender pair upfront is important.
Housing Considerations for Pairs
Successfully housing lovebird pairs requires some special considerations:
- A sufficiently large cage for two birds – minimum 30″ wide.
- Duplicate food and water stations to prevent squabbling.
- Several perches, toys, and hiding spots for each bird.
- Supervision when birds are loose to prevent fights.
- Separate sleeping cages or perches at night if bickering occurs.
With proper introductions and housing, most pairs can live happily together long term. But be prepared to house separately if aggression arises.
Space Requirements for Pairs
| Number of Lovebirds | Minimum Cage Size |
|---|---|
| 1 Lovebird | 24″ x 16″ x 16″ |
| 2 Lovebirds | 30″ x 20″ x 18″ |
As shown in the table, the minimum cage size increases substantially when housing lovebird pairs. Provide as large a cage as possible for their wellbeing.
Increased Costs of Owning Pairs
An inevitable consequence of getting a pair of lovebirds is increased costs. You must purchase twice the supplies and budget higher ongoing expenses:
- Two lovebirds rather than one
- A larger cage
- More perches, food bowls, toys
- Double the amount of food, treats, and other supplies
- Potentially two vet bills instead of one
- Additional boarding fees if traveling
The overall costs may be 50-100% higher than a single lovebird. But most owners find the benefits outweigh the expenses.
Estimated Additional Yearly Costs per Pair
| Extra Expense | Estimated Increased Cost |
|---|---|
| Food | $50-100 |
| Toys | $50-75 |
| Vet visits | $100-300 |
| Cage accessories | $50-100 |
| Total per year | $250-575 |
This table outlines estimated additional costs for a second lovebird. Exact expenses will vary based on your supplies, veterinary needs, and other factors.
Special Demands of Bonded Pairs
Caring for a pair of lovebirds also involves some special demands:
- Spending more hands-on time training and socializing two birds
- Constant vigilance to ensure both birds stay healthy
- Monitoring the pair relationship for any aggressive behavior
- Preventing accidental breeding through night separation or other means
- Ensuring each bird gets equal time out of the cage
A single lovebird is less demanding. But the extra effort for a pair pays dividends through their companionship and interactions.
Tips for Balancing Attention between Pairs
To prevent jealousy, make an effort to give equal attention when owning a lovebird pair:
- Train both birds alongside each other rather than separately
- Pet, praise, and reward each individual during playtime
- Alternate which bird you take out first or interact with
- Ensure both get equal time out of the cage
- Give each new toys to prevent resource guarding
- Watch for signs of favoritism hacia one bird
With effort, you can maintain a strong bond with each individual bird while allowing their pair bond to thrive.
Advantages of Owning a Lovebird Pair
Despite increased demands, there are compelling benefits to owning a lovebird pair:
- Social enrichment from interacting with one another
- Reduced stress and boredom when alone
- Entertaining to watch them play, vocalize, and groom
- Pair bonds can last many years with proper care
- Learn faster by imitating each other’s behaviors
- Increased confidence having a bonded companion
The profound affection and companionship between lovebird pairs is a joy to behold. Their antics will constantly entertain!
Potential Downsides to Lovebird Pairs
While there are many advantages to getting a pair, some potential downsides exist:
- Bickering or aggression if the pair bond fails
- One bird may become dominant and bully the other
- Risk of injuries from squabbles
- Difficulty separating if the relationship deteriorates
- Increased cost, space, and time commitments
- Need to accommodate both if traveling
Proper preparation and monitoring minimizes these risks. But be prepared if the pairing does not work out long term.
Conclusion
The evidence clearly shows that lovebirds thrive in bonded pairs. Their social nature demands near-constant companionship. Solo birds can suffer without a lovebird partner to interact with.
The ideal pairing is two same-gender juveniles, which allows a strong lifelong bond to form. Adult pairs take more effort but can be wonderful pets too.
There are costs and commitments associated with getting two lovebirds. But most owners find the joy of watching a pair interact and keep each other company is well worth it!
While a single lovebird may be sufficient for some owners, providing a compatible pairing allows these social birds to engage in natural behaviors. If considering lovebirds, be open to getting two birds for their wellbeing.
