Need some advice!!!

[wingman]

Today when I took my lovebirds out for play time only Rio ànd Mango came out. Gracie was happy on the swing with the cage door open. I was monitoring Rio and mangos behavior close. Rio would get in front of Mango with his back toward mango and the stretch out his wings like an eagle? After about an hour he would keep spreading his wings then Mango started to snuggle up next to Rio and get right under his spread out wing. The thought went through my mind, is this some sort of mating dance or ritual? Mango did this one time then reached down and behind and nipped Rio on the foot! It was not a hard nip. I am starting to wonder if Rio is not a Rianne! A female instead of a male! Rio is larger in size than mango and not sure if females lovebirds are larger than the males? What does this sound like to you! Any help I will be thankful for, or any theories!!!!

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

I have no idea but I will follow with interest. We just presume that Casper is male because he doesn't lay eggs.

[spiritbird]

Female lovebirds seem to do a mating dance with the wings open. Sometimes the female will tip head down exposing the rear parts.




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[wingman]

Well I think Rio is female that dance Is exactly what it is. So next question Gracie is mangos sister that is probably why she has never done that dance. I would like Rio and mango to breed do I need to move Gracie out of cage with mango and put in a breeder box with Rio and mango? Or just put them all 3 in the big cage together since mango and Gracie have never been separated????? I am afraid if I put Gracie in a cage next to them by herself she will grieve herself to death! Any ideas????

[spiritbird]

Just the two of them in a cage with proper nest box and nesting materials. You can get them at pet stores. I heard a product called Aspen is good. You should first read up on conditioning the birds. Lots of calcium and protein. Egg food is good. You can make your own or purchase it. I would read up on love bird mating and raising chicks. Congrats Daddy!

Nipping at the foot by the male bird must be part of it too because I often see Kobe doing this to Tango.

[spiritbird]

How are things going with Rio and Mango? Any updates?

[wingman]

Well they are flirting! Rio was on the calcium bone a little. I have to wait till first of the month to see if we can afford a breeder box and nesting material.