The inseparable are known as love birds, because, as their name suggests, these sweet birds have the reputation of staying with the same partner for life. This endearing characteristic, as well as its colorful plumage, happy song and friendly character, has led to this small bird being welcomed as a pet in many homes.
Now, when we want to adopt a new member of the family at home, we must first inform ourselves about the needs that they have. For this reason, many owners wonder if they can have a lovebird alone, because, as you will read in this article, social needs are as important as providing food if you want to have a happy and healthy lovebird.
Inseparable, male or female? – Which to choose?
Generally, it is difficult to distinguish males from females by physical characteristics, as domestic lovebirds have almost no sexual dimorphism. At most, we can differentiate the females, as they are slightly larger and have a wider beak, but even so, it is still not a completely reliable method. Therefore, many lovebird breeders, with the intention of differentiating them, habitually use DNA sexing, since it is the safest tactic.
However, females and males do present behavioral differences. Generally, the females tend to have a more reserved and territorial character because in their natural habitat they are in charge of building and defending the nest. On the contrary, the males tend to be more affable with people and do not have the need to fight in case a third lovebird appears with which to compete for their home.
However, despite the fact that there is this trend, we must not forget that what will really determine whether or not a lovebird is nice will be how it has developed and if it has maintained contact with humans since childhood.
Is it better to have one or two inseparable?
The inseparable in freedom, on the continent of Africa, usually live in flocks within which they form monogamous pairs, although contrary to what is believed, certain freedoms are given relating to other lovebirds beyond their partner.
As you may have already deduced, for these parrots, as well as for many other species of birds, social interaction and the creation of bonds with others is absolutely necessary for their well-being, since these animals spend a large part of their time interacting with others; they cuddle, scratch each other, comb feathers, etc.
Does this mean that you can’t have just one lovebird? Not necessarily, because if you think you can spend enough time with your love interest, they can create a nice bond with you and have their social need covered. But in case you cannot pay enough attention to him throughout the day, the answer is no, he cannot be alone, as it will seriously harm him at the mental and health level.
You should also consider whether you can always dedicate the same time to it. Well, if due to personal circumstances, little by little you stop giving him the company that he requires and to which he had become accustomed (he thinks they can live from 10 to 15 years), he will end up frustrated by lack of attention and he will feel alone. And unfortunately, if by then you consider introducing a partner, it may be too late, because your love interest will not have socialized properly with others of his species, which will give rise to many disputes.
In case you consider having a partner, you should know that they do not have to be female and male. The inseparable can perfectly create very strong bonds regardless of sex. Now, it will always be advisable for them to meet as children, since as adults it will be more complicated (especially, as we have mentioned, if they are not used to being with others of their kind).
But finally, if you are worried that your papillero lovebird will stop loving you when having a new partner, you should not worry either, because if you have raised him as a child he will continue to keep you the same affection as always, only now he will have another partner with whom to entertain and socialize When you can’t be for him
What happens if an inseparable person or lovebird dies?
There is a well-known myth, which says that when the partner of an inseparable person dies, it does so soon after, also because they die of grief. However, this belief is not entirely true, because in nature when a lovebird loses its partner, it finds another in the flock.
Now, this does not happen exactly like that when you have an inseparable as a pet, because you cannot look for another partner. What does this mean? In this case, the death is not directly related to the death of her partner, but to the lack of activity and social relationship she had with her. Consequently, this deficiency can in the long or short term cause a lack of appetite and make you feel listless, a fact that consequently weakens your immune system and poses a risk for you to contract some disease. In addition, it should never be ruled out that you cannot contract the same pathology for which the other lovebird has died.
How long can a bird be alone?
Therefore, if you have wondered how long your bird can be alone, which was used to living with a companion of the same species, this will depend on the extent to which you can compensate for the void left by its companion, and therefore If you see that they do not have their social needs covered, you should consider welcoming another inseparable and introduce him little by little so that they can become friends.
