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| | From:  lynchknoty (Original Message) | Sent: 8/11/2005 10:35 PM |
Hello, I have a lovebird that's a little over 15 years old. He was raised on pellets and was hand feed but is now eating a mixture of bulk raw seed and veggie assortment. I'm concerned about his diet though as I was giving him nutriberrys but he woud pick them apart as well (would only eat 40%) Forget about fruits and vegetables - it's in his mix but he won't have any part of it. He really likes seeds and rice, especially sunflower but more the little while ones. Being elderly, I think perhaps his diet is more important - or another idea: he lived this long - might as well let him enjoy what he wants.
He never bonded with anyone or bird until my niece and nephew left him (and an assortment of other pets) when they went on vacation for a month. He chose me and has been a constant companion since. I set his cage in my office and left the door open. A few days later he would hop on objects on my desk close enough to offer him a boost to my shoulder. Two weeks later he was flying directly to my shoulder. Now he won't leave my neck (often raising a leg to snuggle closer) unless to fly to his cage and grab a snack or water - but returns immediately, unless it's time for bed which he does sleep in his cage with door open. Since his cage is in my office, he spends 12-15 hours a day with me. He is free to fly wherever he wants - He'll fly to the kitchen for a breakfast since he has a place at the table and eats from a small plate. BTW, his wings used to be clipped but I prefer that he be able to do what nature intended. I can take him outside and even mountain bike ride (carefully and slowly on non windy days) with him as he will not leave my shoulder. If I set him down somewhere outside he just immediately returns to my shoulder.
[b]
My concern is I see a cataract developing and he has 2 yellow spots one on each wing, about the size of a dime - otherwise, he's one of those, I guess, peachface(?) Mostly green. I do notice he is flying less, opting to call me from the kitchen to pick him up. Should I be concerned or is this just the affect of aging?[/b]
My niece and nephew got to spend the bulk of his life - about 13 years but was shared with other animals. They gave him to me as they could see how much this bird has bonded and it would not be right to end this joy. In his golden years, he now has a buddy that is his alone and I sense he is happy and feels very secure. He's perched all day on my shoulder grinding his beak, nibbling my ear, rubbing his face on my neck, or just sleeping.
[img]http://img26.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buddy8ct.jpg[/img]
I know that he can go at any time since he's very old for a love bird. It's going to really hurt when he passes but I'll know that there was a moment in time a wonderful bird chose to bond with me - someone who has never raised a bird and never realized how loving they can be. |
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At 15 years old, I wouldn't change his diet. As long as he's offered the fresh fruits and veggies and pastas, etc. that you eat, he'll pick whatever appeals to him and it's much too late to worry about prolonging his life.  However, allowing him to fly freely and to go outdoors without restraint might prove to be the end of him much sooner than anticipated, in my opinion. |
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I agree with Birdlady about taking him out unrestrained. I have read of larger parrots than him being picked up off the owner's shoulder by hawks. You would never forgive yourself. You can buy very small carriers for a little guy that will attach quite easily to your bike with a strap. I think it is wonderful that he is still with you. That's a long life for a lovie. Annie |
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| | | From: 2many | Sent: 8/13/2005 2:36 PM |
wow! reading your post gives me hope; we recently adopted two "older" peach-face lovebirds who are 5 and 6 years. its good to know they may be around for a long time. the only thing id be worried about would be taking him unrestrained outside, where he could possibly spook and fly off, or a predator could take him. inside, if you want to let him fly, at least you can "bird-proof" his environment. i leave my birds wings unclipped, as well, mainly because we have cats and dogs, but i also love watching them fly. a carrier is a good idea, and he can still share trips with you. |
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| | | From: 2many | Sent: 8/13/2005 2:37 PM |
forgot to add, thats a very cute picture of him!! |
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| | | From: mompjb | Sent: 8/18/2005 3:23 AM |
How lucky you are to have him. I had a lovie for 2 yrs and his wings were clipped to great and he flew away and has not returned since May. We miss him terribly. He was so playful, happy little thing but preferred to be with the other birds and not on our shoulders. I am so jealous!!! Your are lucky. I would keep his diet the same as obviously it is working for him. Please clip his wings so you dont loose him like I did. You will be so devasted and guilty feeling its hard to overcome.
Patti |
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|  0 recommendations | Message 7 of 9 in Discussion |
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As I was saying, when outside, he does not leave my shoulder. If I try to set him down, he immediately flies to my shoulder. He prefers to ride on my shoulder and has no interest to be anywhere else. I fell asleep at this computer once - in the morning he was still sleeping under my chin! If he had a choice he would never leave! I have to take him to his cage when I go to bed. All the other birds (3 tiel, 1 parakeet) put themselves to bed inside their cages (cages are always open and they sit on top of them during the day)
I only take him outside once in a while and only for a few minutes to get the mail - sometimes on my mountain bike as the mailbox is down the street. |
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| any comments on the yellow spots? |
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