Lovebird siblings mating - what do?

[PixieDust]

If anyone saw my previous post (or not), there has been a development.

The two brothers have been mating!! Does this mean one is a girl? Supposedly it's the first time it's happened in their 3 year lives. 'She' has been very possessive and Moody recently. The two have been fighting. She is possessive over the nest box and rarely leaves it.

What should we do?

Thanks

 

[SailBoat]

Separation! Takes two cages, but its the only way to assure they don't mate.

DNA Sex Testing has become very inexpensive and a DIY process, which requires you to quickly pull a couple of body feathers. Verify!

 

[itzjbean]

Yep I wholeheartedly second Sailboat's post, separating them is the only way to ensure they don't mate. Lovebirds are called lovebirds for a reason...they are sort of prolific breeders and don't really care if they're related to each other....but if they are male and female and related, should not be allowed to lay eggs or raise young. Having such similar genetics can cause genetic defects in babies. It's just not recommended to do that, so just please don't. lol.

 

[LordTriggs]

yes separation is the only way.

Also don't use a nest box unless you plan on breeding birds which you shouldn't with siblings. It only encourages hormonal behavior

 

[reeb]

My aviary of budgies is full of siblings unfortunately. They do mate on occasion, but it isn't a big deal as I try to discourage hormonal behaviour by not providing nesting boxes - if they have nowhere to lay their eggs, they most likely won't.

I would remove the nesting box immediately, it encourages breeding behaviour! Then I would separate your birdies for a little bit. Once they have calmed down and there is no nesting box around, they may stop trying to mate altogether and you can try to let them live together again. If they do mate though, don't fret too much - as long as there is no nesting box, they won't lay, and they also shouldn't be so aggressive.

 

[MonicaMc]

Birds will easily mate together, even if they are the same sex.

If you don't know their genders for sure, then separate them.