Noisy Lovebird Seeks Attention

He's making a fuss, because he's got a crush - on you!

Denise Flaim | Animal House

January 28, 2003

Q. My sister has a 6-year-old male lovebird who is peppy and very bright. I have come to live with her and the bird remembers me because I taught him how to talk and gave him a lot of my attention in the past. From the moment he hears me in the morning, he screams constantly. If I don't go let him out or give him the attention he craves, he will scream and flap his wings every six seconds for hours! It has left us with migraines.

We don't want to give away the bird, but don't know what to do. Should we place him in a smaller cage for "security"? We've added many new toys and changed his position in the house, but to no avail. HELP!

- Celeste

A. I shared your e-mail with lovebird breeder Linda Luckey of Lovebirds Plus Aviary in Tampa, Fla., who offers this explanation:

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The lovebird is in love - with you.

"Lovebirds are very social birds and need lots of attention and interaction," says Luckey, who prefers to keep her birds in pairs to ensure that they get the social stimulation they need. Beyond that, the degree of contact that lovebirds get with humans determines how "tame" they will be.

As for your feathered admirer, Luckey says his loud chirping and animation are attempts to secure your company. "He actually has given her the status of 'mate,' as he has no female lovebird companion," she explains.

This isn't to say that he needs a girlfriend, as lovebirds are prolific breeders. Instead, Luckey suggests you consider adding a "guaranteed male." (Lovebirds can be DNA sexed with a sample of blood or several freshly plucked chest feathers.) "Male lovebirds tend to be happy campers when kept together, and you don't have the offspring problem."

As for cage requirements, "lovebirds are very active birds and should not be kept in small or round cages," she says, adding that most of hers measure 20 inches in height, depth and width. Avoid plastic or cement perches, as they can be hard on a bird's feet. "Natural wood perches of varying sizes are really best," she advises. As for entertainment, "the favorite toy of a lovebird is a swing or something it can climb or swing on."

Finally, Luckey points out that while your lovebird's antics seem disruptive, many of the posters on her discussion board at www.lovebirdsplus.com would envy your dilemma. "Some really desire loving, cuddly birds, and that's what lovebirds have the potential to be."

Q. My 9-year-old golden retriever was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma and underwent a splenectomy. At the time, there was no evidence it had spread.

I did research on anti-angiogenesis and found an oncologist in Connecticut who is part of a trial. My dog was not eligible because we missed the 30-day cut-off by four days. Last Friday, he had another bleed, so we know there has been a recurrence.

Do you have any suggestions? Hank is a great dog and it is unbearable to just stand by and do nothing. - Margaret

A. It's important to remember that the goals in canine cancer care are very different from those in human medicine. Since dogs have such compressed lifespans, the focus with older dogs is often on providing quality of life rather than a cure. Discuss your concerns with your vet, who may recommend you see another veterinary oncologist or specialty practice.

As you discovered, there are experimental trials out there waiting to be found. Anti-angiogenesis drugs, which try to "starve" the tumor by cutting off its blood supply, are just one type of cancer therapy being explored at veterinary universities.

Three excellent sources for finding clinical trials are the Morris Animal Foundation (www.morris animalfoundation.org), The Perseus Foundation (www.perseusfoundation.org) and the Veterinary Cancer Society (www.vetcancersociety.org), which also provides a list of board-certified veterinary oncologists by location. Also check the American Kennel Club's Canine Health Foundation site, www.akcchf .org, for information on breed-specific trials.

Another approach might be to find a holistic vet to support your dog using nutrition, antioxidants, herbs and other modalities. Consult the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association's member directory at www.ahvma.org.

Movie Mania: On Thursday at 8 p.m., "Caution: Show Dogs" debuts at the Malverne Cinema (350 Hempstead Ave.). Taking its title from the bumper sticker popular among dog-show exhibitors, the documentary features local breeders and handlers and was created by Bellmore-based filmmaker Leslye Abbey. More info: 516-679-8216.

Previous Animal House columns are available at www.newsday.com/animalhouse.

Write to Denise Flaim c/o Newsday, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747 or dflaim@newsday.com.