Chipper
.:Meet Chipper-Choo:.
Meet Chipper Choo! Chipper is a female Peach faced Lovebird that I bred and handfed 3 years ago. Despite being handfed, she's a little agressive and we're working on getting back her sweetness. Its obvious she's loves people and to be loved; she chatters and begs to come out and be talked to whenever you're in the bird room. She's certainly a special little girl! Aside from being very cute, Chipper thinks she's on top of the world. I think she sees herself as a Hyacinth, big enough to do anything, and she isn't afraid to try it all!
Chipper's Story
When I was given a pair of PF lovebirds, I was told to throw the eggs away when they were laid. Well, I simply could not do that and so I got Chipper. She's was the runt and the sweetest little thing! I paid special attention to her and made sure she was the sweeted as she would soon be my grandmother's. However, upon sexual maturity, Chipper became much more agressive.
I was petsitting her and noticed that she seemed to love it whenever I came near. She would preen my hair and say 'Chipper Chipper' to me. Once she got out and flew to me from across the room! It was then decided that she would stay with me, and she did! Although it is going to take a while to get her to be fully hadn tame again, I have seen her be very sweet (even after 'the change') and know that we can get her back!
Lovebirds
Lovebirds seem to get the reputation for being very hard to own and not very good pets. I could not disagree with them more. Yes, lovebirds are hard headed, stubborn, agressive and impulsive. However, they are also sweet, affectionate and love having you near. They are also toy crazy and will always make you feel appreciated! Now, this is just generalized to Peachfaces, but most all Lovebirds exibit these traits.
Its important to fufill their needs. They are highly active birds and should have a large cage (as in small conure size, NOT a dinky 10x10x10 cage!!!). Always provide them with TONS of toys are rotate them regularly. I find their favorites to be anything they can chew, things with noise, climb/swing on, etc...Basically, anthing bird safe! I highly encourage ladders and swings. Chipper also has a cuddle hut, but these are known to be dangerous and is inspected daily for signs of wear.
Diet is another improtant issue for lovies. I feed Chipper a seed mix, Roudybush pellets as well as fresh and cooked meals daily. Providing them with a good diet is another key component in having happy, healthy lovbirds.
Excercise has to be the most important item on a lovebird list. Chipper loves to be out on her playstand as well as on your sholder or on top of your head. All of my birds are out for several hours a day, and this gives us plently of time for bonding and loving!
A Hormonal Hen
As Chipper has entered sexual maturity, things do change. For one, she does make nests and she does lay eggs. She tends to get more tempermental and is mroe easily frusterated. When this times comes, we leave her to her own devises. She lays eggs and we let her sit on them until she realizes that they won't hatch.
"Lovebirds, little demons in feathers and the heart of an angel" annonomous
The quote above describes Chipper perfectly! On the outside, she is all demon. But on the inside, she is the most loyal and people-passionate birds of all of mine!
Chipper's Journey
