Working and lovebirds

[JJay]

I've looked on the forum about owning 1 lovebird and working full time. The answers are mixed. Am I correct in understanding that lovebirds need 10 hours sleep? How do people give them attention before and after work if they need enough sleep? We get up around 4.30am then leave for work around 7am then return between 4.30 and 5pm. That wouldn't leave much time to socialise with the parrot. I had a lovebird when I was at boarding school and he was really tame. It was ages ago but I remember that I spent time with him in the evenings and left toys to play with and a window view during the day. On weekends I spent alot of time with him. We were the best of friends. Caring for etc I cannot remember and have no doubt there is updated care which we will research.

How do working owners do it? Would they nap during the day if you had them out in the evenings if need be. Once we are home the bird won't be in its cage much but would be on a play stand or chilling with us on our shoulder etc. We want him to be part of our family.

 

[JJay]

Another question...do lovebirds bond with more than one person? Would they be happy to be with myself, my hubby and our daughter? I've just read that males aren't as aggressive than females?

 

[GaleriaGila]

Welllllllll, as you've discerned, there are man potentially decent ways to do things, but no RIGHT way... just people's stories. To illustrate, here's mine.

I was in college when I got him, and then grad school, so I spent LOTS of time with him. Then it was time for internship and then work!
There were years (about 25 of them) when 6-7 days a week, I was gone at dawn and back at night.
Some did and will consider me wrong and think I should have re-homed him.
Anyway, here is what I think made it work.
I moved and got new jobs maybe 5 times or so. BUT...
Every morning, he had at least ten minutes, and every evening, he had 20 or so. I have always kept him on a natural light schedule, in a separate room, so sometimes those times together were in the dark. During the day, he had a big window looking out on something interesting, a television on one of his favorite channels (music channels, news shows - he loves talking heads), a biggg cage, lots of fun foods, and great toys that I changed out regularly).
He KNEW he could count on those two crumby sessions a day. Somehow we both made it.
I'm now retired and times are pretty good again. But when I first retired, he was standoffish and aggressive, at times, and not nearly as affectionate and cuddly as he was 30 years ago. Of course, he became a rooster at about 4-5.
He is famous (infamous?) for his quirks, weirdness, and overall trouble-maker-ness. I take responsibility. Today he is flighted, fearless, spoiled, and adored. We worked it out. I spend most of the day with his bad self now, and I know we are back in love. I guess my motto is... don't give up, do your best, and don't be unhappy with the results. Love your bird and yourself for what you are, separately and together.
Good luck to you. I bet you'll find a way. Where there's love, there's a way. I think you're brave and good for reaching out so honestly and openly.

 

[JJay]

Thanks so much for your reply. My hubby and I have chatted and we wait until life slows down before getting a parrot. Reading on this forum and online helped us make that decision. We will be back on the forum when we more ready. We are also on the 2 floor and love having our windows open. What if the parrot who may or may be clipped flies out the window? There are too many factors right now that are not in the favour or the parrot. Like you said...where there is love there is a way. Our turn will come when we can give that parrot what it needs at the right time.