Marlene
Welcome to the neighborhood!
Hi roadies! Please join me and congratulate Leyla! He has been chosen as Celebirdy for the month of March, 2012
First I want to say that Leyla and I are honored that she was picked as March's Celebirdy! This March marks her 7th Gotcha Day
1. How did you aquire your bird?
I got Leyla and her mate, Nin, from a small hobby breeder in March of 2005. The breeder only had two or three pairs of lovies from what I remember. I had seen six of her babies advertised online and picked two from the photos. When we got there, my "first choices" and all the others had been sold, except two. Of course those two were my Leyla and Nin, proving that all things happen for a reason!
2. What is your birds name, age and sex?
Leyla is a whiteface violet peach-faced lovebird. She was hatched December 4th, 2004, making her seven years old. She's never laid eggs or been DNA'ed, but I am certain she is a girl. She has all the spunk and attitude of a girl lovie
3. Does your bird do any special tricks?
No, Leyla is not so much into tricks! But she does do flighted recall well, and I am currently attempting to teach her how to turn around on cue. She doesn't really get it quite yet, but we have fun!
4. What are some of your birds favorite foods?
Leyla has a whole list of favorite foods! She is a good eater for sure. Some of her favorites include mash (homemade or Avian Organics), AO bird bread, sprouts, apples, and bananas. And of course any types of seeds and nuts.
5. What is the funniest thing your bird has done?
Hmm, well one time she was perching on my head and had a big watery poop down my forehead and nose! That was mostly gross, but also kinda funny.
6. How has your bird enriched your life?
Leyla has enriched my life in so many ways! She's taught me patience while dealing with her stereotypical female lovebird aggression. She helped me heal after I lost my two cockatiels in August of '05. She taught me so much while dealing with her polyfolliculitis issues. As much as she lives up to her nickname of Beak of Terror from time to time, I love my little featherbutt!
7. What would you tell people who are considering this species?
I would say to definitely consider the fact that females are known to be aggressive! They are so small they naturally have to be fierce to protect their stuff! That doesn't mean they're bad birds though, they are awesome, they just require a little more patience and understanding. And perhaps a few more bandaids
I would also say that lovies tend to bond very strongly, and in my opinion they are much happier with a same-species buddy/mate who can be with them 24/7.
8. What is the activity and noise level of your bird?
Leyla used to be insanely active!!! Now she is still active, but not quite as much as she used to be. She loves to snuggle a lot more now, but she still zips around the room and shreds toys lots! I don't find her that noisy, but most people who come over find all my lovies to be shrill and loud. I love their noises!
9. What are some of your birds quirks?
Leyla has the funniest Yucky Face. If I offer her something and she tries it and doesn't like it, she gives this look of disgust and shakes her head. It's the best of all my birds lol.
Her and Nin have the funniest daily (sometimes multiple times daily) ritual. Nin perches on a particular swing, and Leyla perches on whichever perch is closest (usually a rope perch). Then, one of them lunges at the other, and they start a crazy beak war with each other that usually lasts 5-10 minutes. The swing is swinging back and forth and back and forth and making the worst clatter, but L&N just love it. If one of them wants to fight, s/he'll go perch on his/her respective fight perch and wait for the other to show up. I don't understand WHY they do it, but it is hilarious and bizarre. That is the only time Nin ever acts aggressive towards Leyla; usually Leyla is the dominant one. I feel like I should clarify that this is not real aggression, it is playing and there is no chance of injury to either party
10. If your bird talks, what is the most surprising word or sentence it has said?
**My little diva only talks bird
11. What is your bird’s favorite treat?
**Hands down seeds or nuts! She always gets the Excited Chirpees when offered such delicious morsels. And by the Excited Chirpees I mean "CHIRPcrunchCHIRPcrunchCHIRPcrunchcrunchCHIRP!!!"
She's beautiful! 
