LovebirdsForever

If you're willing to travel a bit north, the Upper Canada Animal Hospital in Newmarket has an avian specialist, Dr. Hess. She's incredibly thorough and has a wonderful bedside manner with birds. It's a bit of a drive from Toronto proper, but if you're looking for top-tier avian care, she's definitely an option to consider.

Definitely agree with the meet-and-greet idea. For my lovebirds, I always make sure the sitter spends some time with them before I leave. Also, consider if you want someone to come to your home or if you're comfortable boarding Pedro. Both have pros and cons depending on your bird's personality and your home environment.

YES! Cardboard boxes stuffed with shredded paper and hiding pellets inside is one of my go-to's. I also thread veggies on untreated rope — super cheap and hours of fun.

I know chocolate and avocado are off-limits, but I want the full list before I accidentally share something dangerous off my plate. What human foods are genuinely toxic to parrots?

Bananas are totally safe and birds love them — just watch the sugar, so small amounts. Mango, papaya, and melon are great too. The big rule across all fruit: it's a treat/supplement, not the main diet.

I'm thinking of getting a second bird to keep my current one company. But I've heard introductions can go badly. What's the safe, proper way to introduce two birds so they (hopefully) get along?

Green cheeks are genuinely one of the better apartment parrots. They're playful and a bit chatty but nowhere near sun conure / aratinga volume. You'll be fine with considerate neighbours.

I hear foraging is the #1 enrichment for birds, but when I hide food my lovebird just looks confused and gives up. How do I actually TEACH a bird to forage if they've only ever had food handed to them in a bowl?

Green cheeks are WAY quieter. Sun conures are famously loud — apartment neighbours definitely notice. Green cheeks are still vocal but on a completely different scale.

Mine get the whole evening out while I'm home. Honestly the cage is more of a 'bedroom' than a home. A bird stuck in a cage all day will get bored, loud, and prone to plucking.

My lovebird Peach is an absolute destroyer. She goes through toys in 24 hours flat. I'm buying balsa wood, seagrass mats, anything — gone in a day. Is this normal? Any suggestions for tougher toys that still provide enrichment?

Posting in a panic — my friend's green cheek conure bolted out an open door near High Park this morning. He's microchipped but not banded. What do we do RIGHT NOW to maximize the chance of getting him back?

I'd argue the opposite! Lovebirds bond SO deeply with their person and since you work from home you can really nurture that. They're more interactive and playful. Yes they can nip but it's usually communicating, not aggression.