I have a six and a half year old Peach-Faced Lovebird named Bean. She has been an important part of my flock from the very beginning. She never ceases to amaze me. Although she can be quite headstrong at times, she has remained a constant companion through the many different changes in my life.
I got Bean in July of 2000. She was a tiny green puff ball with a black spot on her beak huge dark eyes. I remember sticking my hand into the tank of baby lovebirds and Bean marched right over to me. I picked her up and that was it! I brought her home and we spent lots of time bonding.
I was a nervous Mom but I eventually let her spread her wings (once her flight feathers grew in) and fly around. Her favorite spot to fly to was my sock drawer and sometimes it was nearly impossible to get her out of it. She would guard the sock drawer with her life and charge at anyone who tried to enter her precious hideout. I should have realized then that her nesting instincts were so strong.
After many months of shredding newspaper, dancing around and nest building, Bean laid her first egg. She displayed her trust in me when she let me take that egg and all of the subsequent eggs from her little oatmeal box house. It amazed me how she took everything in stride and never seemed to be scared. She once charged a black beetle crawling across the floor.
When I got married in July of 2005, Bean greeted my bridesmaids and photographers happily. She didn’t mind waiting with my parents at my house while I was on my honeymoon for a week. She took our move quite well. She was actually excited to explore all of the rooms in our new apartment. Seeing her happy to be in our new home made my adjustment much easier.
Six weeks later, Bean welcomed her new adopted brother, Tucker, a Quaker Parrot into our family. Bean made Tucker so comfortable that she helped to lessen his feather-picking. She also lets Tucker get more attention because he definitely craves more than she does. The two of them have been roommates for over a year and seem to really enjoy each other’s company very much.
