General information on lovebirds

[Luvparrots]

Lovebirds are originally from Madagascar and Africa where they live in flocks that vary in size with each species. Lovebirds often pair and mate for life, remaining close to one another and constantly grooming each other. Thence the name “Lovebirds”. This little 5-7 inch popular pet bird is playful and full of affection. Its lifespan is 15-20 years. These stocky little birds are one of the smallest members of the parrot family and although they rarely talk or mimic, they are charming to interact with and watch. With proper socialization and care a lovebird can form a strong bond with its human providers. They do not do well without interaction so if an owner is pressed for time to spend with their feathered friend, it is best to provide a mate for this very social bird who cannot thrive without interaction. Please note that they breed readily so you must be aware of the fact that in some instances a lovebird if removed from its mate has died.

 

 

There are nine subspecies of lovebirds and each displays a different color and marking. The most popular of which is the Peach-faced Lovebird. Its splashes of peach/apricot on the head and beautiful blue, yellow and green body make it a colorful bundles of feathers. The masked-lovebird and Fischer's lovebird are also quite popular subspecies.

 

 

To sex lovebirds there are some visual characteristics that might help. The female lovebird is more heavy-bodied than the male and sits more broadly with legs apart and the male sits more upright. The male's tail will appear rounded while a female's tail will appear more square. A typical male/female dilemma; While building a nest, the female appears as doing more work than the male.

 

 

Lovebirds in the wild feed on seeds, berries, grains, grasses, leaf buds and fruit as well as farm crops of corn, maize and figs. In captivity if a pellet food is used, it should be supplemented with vegetables, grains, seeds and fruit as a formulated diet does not contain the phytonutrients (antioxidant pigments) that are found in fresh fruits and vegetables, including green leafy vegetables, and grains and seeds. Nuts if given should be given sparely. Phytonutrients are believed to boost the immune system, help the body heal and prevent some diseases. Also parrots become bored with the lack of variety in formulated pellets. A cuttle bone or crushed oyster shell in a dish are great for supplying calcium. It should be noted that lovebirds like a lot of drinking water. Also note that dishware for lovebirds should be ceramic as they love to chew plastic.

 

 

As for housing, the best cage for your lovebirds is as big as you can provide but at least 32” x 20” x 20” for a pair. There should be lots of different perches/branches for our flying friends to climb and chew. As with all parrots, if you have adequate safe space for your feathered friends to fly, out of cage time is a bonus they love.

 

 

Lovebirds are great water babies as they love to bathe. Sitting on the edge of a shallow bathing dish while dipping their heads and upper bodies as well as beating their wings is a sight to see. They prefer this type of bath rather than getting into the water.

 

 

These lively little climbers and fliers are enjoyed for their comical actions and antics as well as their show of love for their mates and care providers.

 

 

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Edited May 28, 2012 by luvparrots