LOVEBIRD'S

About Lovebird

African Lovebird

As is evident from the name, African Lovebirds are originally from Madagascar and Africa. Nine different species of African Lovebirds are known to exist. These parrots are small but simply beautifullylooking, but sadly not so common in the UK. 

 The Origin of the Lovebird

Native to Africa and surrounding islands, many of the Lovebirds were imported into the U.S. in large numbers in the late 20th century.

Their Characteristics:

• The Lovebird is an intelligent and affectionate bird.
• It is small in size but it is a big parrot by temperament
• It has the ability to learn to talk and whistle. Its speech is clear and distinct. It responds eagerly to your voice and expects a loving gesture as a reward.
  
• Lovebirds are very hardy and do not need to be kept particularly warm all the time, but should not be exposed to very cold conditions.

Types of Lovebirds

The most popular types of Lovebirds are:

Peachface Lovebird

Peachface Lovebirds are the most popular variety of Lovebirds. This parrot species also comes in colors like Dutch-Blue, Cinnamon, Lutino and Pied. The Peachface Lovebirds are very intelligent and they are very active by nature.

• The Lovebird is an intelligent and affectionate bird.
• It is small in size but it is a big parrot by temperament
• It has the ability to learn to talk and whistle. Its speech is clear and distinct.It responds eagerly to your voice and expects a loving gesture as a reward.
  
• Lovebirds are very hardy and do not need to be kept particularly warm all the time, but should not be exposed to very cold conditions.

Among Lovebirds, the Peach Face Lovebirds come in a wide variety of color mutations including normal green, Dutch - Blue, Lutino, Pied, Creamino, Cinnamon, and in combinations of the above. Due to the relative ease of breeding in captivity peach - face are quite common in aviaries and in pet stores, and often as hand reared pets, by specialist breeders.

 As A Pet

Affectionate and intelligent, Lovebirds can be taught to give kisses, step-up, wave a foot, and many other tricks. Lovebirds also have the ability to learn to whistle and talk. They can speak with clarity and will respond to your voice with eager enthusiasm.

Some Lovebirds can become nippy if they are not raised with consistency and gentle guidance. Fearless by nature, Lovebirds will stand up to other pets in the house so please keep them separated. Their curiosity will let them investigate everything so keep a watchful eye on them at all times.

Temperament

A Very active, curious, and playful bird, the Lovebird packs a lot of personality into a small package. They are also feisty little birds. They are very social and form deep bonds with their owners and are sometimes very cuddly birds, but their intense personalities can also make them prone to nipping and territorial aggressiveness and jealousy. Hand-raised babies make the best pets. Some experts believe that females are more prone to jealousy and territoriality than males, but this has a lot to do with how they are raised, not by the rearer, but you as the owner. We always find, that the more time and effort you put into your baby, the better the end result, no matter the sex. Us girls get a bit of a slating, through the whole of the different species including human, but you boys have your downsides also.

Cages

 The cage shape is also very important for the bird. Square or rectangular cages are more appropriate for parrots. Before buying the cage, do a thorough checking of the security mechanism.

The cage should be at least 2 feet wide by 2 feet long and 2 feet tall, but a larger cage is definitely better. Bars should be oriented horizontally to allow the birds climb the sides of the cage. Avoid round cages. Provide a variety of perch sizes (including natural branches if possible) as this is healthier for a caged bird's feet.

The Ideal Lovebird Cage:

The cage shape is also very important for the bird. Square or rectangular cages are more appropriate for parrots. Before buying the cage, do a thorough checking of the security mechanism.

The cage should be at least 2 feet wide by 2 feet long and 2 feet tall, but a larger cage is definitely better. Bars should be oriented horizontally to allow the birds climb the sides of the cage. Avoid round cages. Provide a variety of perch sizes (including natural branches if possible) as this is healthier for a caged bird's feet.

Cage size should be:

          Lovebirds need approximately: 24" W x 24" H x 24" D

• Bar spacing: 1/2" to 5/8"
• 
  DIET:

Since commercial food does not meet your bird's nutritional needs, a Lovebird strives best on grains, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds, Pulses, Pellets,Soaked seeds, ( Our home made Super Dinners ) available on our online or offline shop. Germinated seeds  and even white meats.

 

• Small hookbill Grass Parakeet seeds we recommend (Verselle Laga African Parakeet with v.a.m pellets) available at our shop.


• Small or mini pellets


• Fresh vegetables
• Cooked pulses
• Our home made ( Super Dinners )


• In the wild they eat fruit and berries, so these can be nice to add to the diet.


• Some whole grains such as cooked quinoa, sprouted bread, and millet on occasion.

 

Vitamin and calcium supplements should be added in their diet from time to time. Remember, your pet's diet will improve its health and will keep it content ( full range of Vitamins & Minerals ) available on our online and offline shop .

Health Issues

Although hardy birds, but the Lovebird are prone to accidents owing to their small size. They are also very sensitive to their environment; therefore, hygiene and cleanliness must be maintained. Water should be changed everyday and food should not be kept over 3 hours in the cage. Clean their cage with anti-bacterial solutions from time to time.

Usually active, energetic and healthy, Lovebird can suffer from common diseases like any other Lovebirds. These health issues are:

loss of appetite

• diarrhea


• Anorexia


• lethargy


• weight loss


• feather plucking


• beak swelling


• wheezing or coughing


• favoring one foot


• eye or nasal discharge


• red or swollen eyes

Care should be taken while trimming your bird's feathers, and we always recommend against this.