breeding masked lovebirds?

[paul-inAZ]

I have 4 masked lovebirds approx. a year or a bit more old and am considering putting in a nest box.
They are a normal, two blues and a double dark [cobalt] blue that live in a very roomy cage.
Of course I don't know the sexes. Odds favor having a pair of opposite sex. As of now I'd rather not go the DNA sexing route.

My question is if I put in the nestbox and they figure out their sexes to breed will there be warfare with the two left out by the breeding pair?

[30 Seconds to Bob]

It depends on just how roomy your roomy cage is and provide other nest boxes for the non-breeding pair. I didn't find sexing adult lovebirds to be too difficult most of the time by feeling the space between the pelvic bones. On the males, there will be hardly any space (bones almost touch each other) With the hens, a finger tip will just about fit between them to allow passage of the eggs. Got it right probably 90+ percent of the time. Bob

[cindy]

I bred lovebirds for year, colony and single pairs in cages....my suggestion with multiple pairs in one flight.... always.... one box will create an issue...rule of thumb when colony breeding, 2 boxes to each pair, all hung on the sides and back all at the same height. Nesting material in several spots.

Sexing I did the same as Bob suggested, sometimes it was not exact especially if the birds were young.

[paul-inAZ]

Thanks.
As far as sexing them by feeling the pelvis I understand it can be somewhat reliable with some experience. Not having any experience [yet] I think this would be like playing amateur gynecologist.
I think I will let them sort out who is boy or girl by themselves for now.

I made extra nest boxes so will put these in when the time comes.

I have a fearful vision of having two pairs and they both decide to breed. Then what? The cage is 20x30x40 inches and could get crowded. But, that will be faced if it happens.

[cindy]

will you handfeed out or have the parents raise them?

[paul-inAZ]

Parent raised. Much more work than I can contemplate. A possibility is to find someone locally that would do that.

[cindy]

I spoonfed all mine, so sweet, some stayed so tame and very loyal!