Before being separated, the two birds lived with their mother.

Explanation:
The mother bird is often responsible for taking care of her offspring, especially in the early stages of their lives. This is a common behavior among many bird species.

1. Parental Care in Birds:
In most bird species, parental care is divided between the male and female birds. While the male may contribute to the care of the chicks, the female typically plays a more significant role, especially in the early stages. The female bird is responsible for incubating the eggs, ensuring their safety, and providing food for the hatchlings.

2. Nest Building:
Birds usually build nests to provide a safe and secure environment for their eggs and young ones. The mother bird would have built a nest for her eggs and incubated them until they hatched. The nest would have provided protection from predators and the elements.

3. Feeding the Chicks:
Once the eggs hatched, the mother bird would have been responsible for feeding the chicks. She would have searched for food, such as insects, worms, or seeds, and brought it back to the nest to feed her young ones. This process would continue until the chicks were old enough to fend for themselves.

4. Teaching Survival Skills:
In addition to providing food, the mother bird would also have played a crucial role in teaching her offspring important survival skills. These skills include flying, finding food, and recognizing potential dangers in their environment.

Conclusion:
Based on the information provided, it can be inferred that the two birds lived with their mother before being separated. The mother bird would have provided them with the necessary care, protection, and food until they were old enough to survive on their own.