Guest Author - Heather Thomas
In recent years these wonderful birds have possibly been overshadowed by the popularity of the parrotlet; however, lovebirds are wonderful birds with a price tag much more palatable than the endearing parrotlet. They come in a wide range of colors, but some are definitely easier to find in the pet trade than others. Lovebirds are a small bird weighing between 40 and 60 grams with a stocky build. The tip of their tail is blunt, not pointed. Lovebirds are native to the African continent and Madagascar. Popular species commonly kept as pets include the Peach-Faced, Fischer’s, and Masked Lovebirds.
Cage Requirements
Because of their small size, cage requirements are quite reasonable. The minimum acceptable size is 18”x18”x18” with bars spaced no more than ½ inch apart. However, because these small active birds love to play, a larger cage will provide more room to hang toys to keep your bird occupied. As with most birds, it is best to purchase the largest cage you can accommodate. This will not only provide additional room for toys, but allow your bird to stay active and in good health.
Diet
No more than 40 percent of your bird’s diet should be made up of pellets or a high quality seed blend. The remainder should be comprised of fresh vegetables, sprouts, whole grains, fruit, and legumes. Provide ample foraging opportunities to keep your bird from becoming bored; this also encourages even picky eaters to eat the food they’ve had to work for.
General Care
The general maintenance for lovebirds is similar to that of any other birds. They require fresh food and water daily. Do not allow fresh food, such as raw fruits and vegetables, to remain in the cage overnight, as they are prone to bacterial growth. It is preferable to change the cage liner daily; this will allow you to stay in touch with your bird’s overall health. Often the first sign of illness shows up as changes in your bird’s droppings. Bathe your bird weekly by offering a shallow dish of water. If you fail to do this, you bird will make due with the resources you provide, namely their water dish. In addition to these basic care items, your bird will need periodic grooming of their wings and nails.
Behavior
Lovebirds are known for their bold personality. They will often attack much larger animals that enter their territory without fear for their own safety. This behavior also includes other birds, even if the bird is much larger than the lovebird. Also, lovebirds can be vocal and while their vocalization is not comparable to large birds, it is important to be familiar with the noise they will make prior to bringing your bundle of joy home; and it is worth noting that two lovebirds are significantly noisier than one.
Overall, lovebirds make wonderful pets and with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years they make a good choice for a first bird. They are truly a big bird in a small bird’s body.
