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Love Birds
Lovebirds are smaller
members of the parrot family. They average about 6 inches in length. There are 9
species of lovebirds, and many different color varieties. Their scientific name
Agapornis comes from the Greek Agapa meaning 'love' and ornis meaning 'bird'. If
properly cared for, a lovebird can live up to twenty years. They are very social
birds and require handling and attention daily. Varieties of the domestic
lovebird are: peach-faced, fisher, and masked. The most common is the
peach-faced lovebird.
Feeding
Lovebirds should be fed a
staple diet of a fresh pelleted formula or a fortified seed diet. Pelleted diets
are recommended since each pellet contains balanced nutrition. Besides a
pelleted or a seed mix diet, each day offer chopped dark green and yellow
vegetables, and a small amount of fresh fruits. Whole grain bread, cooked rice,
and cooked pasta can also be offered. Protein supplements can include cooked
legumes, chopped hard-cooked egg, or tofu. Lovebirds also relish millet seed
sprays. Avoid the following foods: iceberg lettuce and cabbage (these can cause
diarrhea), caffeine, cola, chocolate, avocado, and sugary or salty snacks (these
can be harmful). Remove fresh fruits and vegetables within 4 hours of offering
to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets too much liquid from the fresh fruits and
vegetables, the droppings could become runny and discolored. Stop the fresh
fruits and vegetables for a day if this occurs to determine if this is the
reason. Birds require fresh water each day. Wash and rinse their water dish
thoroughly prior to adding fresh water. Powdered vitamins can be lightly
sprinkled on the fresh food, or added into the drinking water. Always have a
cuttlebone or mineral block available to supply calcium and prevent beak
overgrowth.
Housing
Lovebirds must be able to
stretch their wings and still have room for a variety of toys without hitting
them, therefore, the larger the cage the better. The cage for a lovebird should
measure a minimum of 22" length by 18" high and 18" wide. The
cage should be your lovebird's secure area where it feels safe, but it should be
allowed out of the cage when supervised for socialization. Perches are an
essential part of the cage and should be chosen to suit the feet of the bird. A
variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters will help exercise the bird's feet
and toes. Place perches strategically to prevent droppings from contaminating
water and food dishes and to prevent the tail from hanging in dishes or on the
floor. Many different types of toys in the lovebird cage will keep your bird
entertained. Be sure when choosing toys that they are intended for a lovebird
and not for large parrots or something small such as parakeets. Place your
lovebird's cage at eye-level in a bright area free from drafts and direct
sunlight. Make sure it is safe from small children, dogs and cats. Lovebirds
like to see what is going on in the house and do well when placed in the family
room or commonly frequented parts of the house. For safety reasons, do not place
the bird cage in the kitchen or areas near smoke or fumes. Cigarette smoke is
especially harmful to birds' sensitive respiratory systems.
Handling
Lovebirds enjoy being picked
up and petted or stroked. Always supervise children around any lovebird, as,
when they are frightened, their bites can be painful. Lovebirds are very
intelligent and should be trained basic commands such as to "step up"
onto your hand and "step down" when putting them back into their cage.
This will make handling of the lovebird much easier as it matures from an easily
handled baby to a more independent adult bird. Lovebirds become sexually mature
between 6-9 months of age. Always wash your hands before and after handling your
pet bird, or after cleaning its cage. Keep the cage clean to prevent the
possibility of disease for the safety of you and your companion bird.
Special RequirementsLovebirds are social birds
and prefer to be kept in a colony (family) setting. They need to have a great
deal of socialization and stimulation to remain a happy, healthy member of your
family. To aid the bird in keeping itself clean, we recommend a light misting
with tepid water from a clean spray bottle on a frequent basis.
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