Rehoming adult lovebird from a breeder?

[PennyP]

Hi,

We adopted our elderly GCC years ago after her owner died. She had never been handled or let out of her cage. It took time and patience, but she became the cuddliest bird ever. She passed away.

Our friend is considering a small companion bird. She's been looking at what birds are available locally.

She sent us a link to an ad saying that she wanted this lovebird as she felt sorry for it. We took a look at the ad - the lovebird is an adult female, no name, age unknown. The seller also had baby birds, so must breed them.

I sent the seller a quick email - he said the bird's mate died earlier this year. He didn't give me much other info.

We know this may be a senior bird. She probably isn't hand tame. She may be depressed and have behaviour issues. She may never be cuddly. She may have been in an aviary. The pic of her shows no toys or anything.

Are we stupid to think about taking this lovebird? It breaks our hearts to think of her huddled in a cage by herself. Would she adapt to indoor life and human companionship at all?

 

[ShellyBorg]

YES! I took in a older breeder, also a female. It took time but she became the best little bird. I placed her with a young family and she is doing great. If your gut says get the bird, go for it!

 

[SilverSage]

I have no lovebird experience, but my first bird was a 6 year old budgie who had only been handled by a maniac. The woman kept her in a tiny cage with no sunlight (NONE. She put black garbage bags over the windows to keep it out.) When the bird made noise the cage got covered. Every once in a while she would put a sock on her hand, catch the bird, clips her wings, and put the bird back. No idea why, since she never let her out of the cage. One day she decided to buy a lutino budgie (the blue one had been free) and put it in the same cage. Of course fights broke out and of course she didn't want the "evil" bird anymore. Within 8 weeks of me getting her, she was stone tame. Her favorite place was on my youngest sister's shoulder, then age 2. Each bird has a personality, and I am a firm believer that with enough love and attention and understanding, any bird can learn to trust humans to an extent that permits living with people. Not every bird will choose to be friends with people, but you never know until you try!

 

[PennyP]

YES! I took in a older breeder, also a female. It took time but she became the best little bird. I placed her with a young family and she is doing great. If your gut says get the bird, go for it!

Thank you so much! So glad to hear your bird did OK. We are going to see her this evening, after work. I'd asked the breeder that if we do take her, would it be possible to pick her up in a day or two, to give us the chance to pick up some lovebird-specific food and toys. He replied saying he can give us plenty of food... sounds like he really wants rid of her quickly.

 

[PennyP]

I have no lovebird experience, but my first bird was a 6 year old budgie who had only been handled by a maniac. The woman kept her in a tiny cage with no sunlight (NONE. She put black garbage bags over the windows to keep it out.) When the bird made noise the cage got covered. Every once in a while she would put a sock on her hand, catch the bird, clips her wings, and put the bird back. No idea why, since she never let her out of the cage. One day she decided to buy a lutino budgie (the blue one had been free) and put it in the same cage. Of course fights broke out and of course she didn't want the "evil" bird anymore. Within 8 weeks of me getting her, she was stone tame. Her favorite place was on my youngest sister's shoulder, then age 2. Each bird has a personality, and I am a firm believer that with enough love and attention and understanding, any bird can learn to trust humans to an extent that permits living with people. Not every bird will choose to be friends with people, but you never know until you try!

Wow, what a horrible life that poor little budgie had. It sounds horrendous. I'm so glad she ended up with you