The fascinating behaviour of
Lovebirds make them among the most interesting pet bird.
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close to each other, not because
they are in love with each other. Lovebirds can and do mate for life, but it
doesn't happen every time.
Lovebirds are social birds and should be kept in pairs.
They are very active and curious birds and can even be quite aggressive at
times. They can chatter all day long with a sometimes very shrill sound.
Lovebirds are native to Africa and a few nearby islands. In their native
habitat, they are found usually in small flocks of 10 to 20 pairs.
Lovebirds are of the class Aves, the genus Agapornis and members of the
Psittaciformes, or family of parrots.
Agapornis comes from the Greek words: Agape meaning love, and ornis meaning
bird.
Lovebirds typically live from 10 to 15 years depending a great deal on the care
they are given, some lovebirds have been known to live to be 20 in captivity.
There are 9 species of lovebirds, of which 8 are available as pets. They are not
related to the South American parrotlets.
1. Active, alert and curious disposition 2. 4 well formed toes, 2 forward and 2
backward, nails must be complete 3. Bright, round eyes 4. Nostrils clear of
discharge 5. Feathers lay tight against the body 6. Smooth beak that closes
completely
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What To Avoid In A Healthy Lovebird
1. A bird that sits huddled in a corner or on the floor 2. A bird with feathers
fluffed up 3. Deformed toes 4. Vent fouled with faeces or badly stained 5. Signs
of weeping or runny eyes 6. Excessive plucking or excessive missing of feathers
7. Bald spots 8. A squeak, wheezing or other abnormality when breathing 9.
Nervous behaviour 10. Lethargic behaviour 11. Dull or lifeless feathers 12. A
bird too large for it's normal size (birds can and do get fat) 13. Nasal
discharge
If you are a first time or novice lovebird owner, don't choose a bird that you
think may be sick, choose the healthiest bird you can find. Many sicknesses can
be cured, but better to leave these birds for experienced owners. Don't buy a
sick lovebird because you feel sorry for it.
If possible get a certificate of health from the breeder or pet shop
guaranteeing that a replacement will be made if the lovebird becomes sick or
won't breed.
Lovebirds are not rare, there are a lot of them around to choose from. So take
your time and select only birds that you really like the colouring and
personality of.
Keeping Lovebirds as Pets
Lovebirds should be kept in pairs, one female and one male. They very much enjoy
each others company, although don't be alarmed if they have occasional spats
with each other.
If a pair of lovebirds constantly fight, then it's best to find each of them
another mate. If you're buying birds from a breeder, make sure the breeder will
exchange birds if they are not compatible.
As a general rule, only one pair of birds should be kept per cage. Keep one or
more cages far enough apart from each other so they do not allow birds to be
able to peck at each other.
When introducing new birds to a home with pre-existing birds, the new birds may
not always be welcomed readily.
Lovebird Behaviour
Lovebirds need exercise out of their cages daily.
Remember: Birds Love to Fly
Being cooped up in a cage all the time is not healthy for them, physically or
emotionally. Birds kept in a cage will often sit on a perch and flap their wings
incessantly.
Lovebirds need between 10 to 12 hours of rest a night. Do not keep your birds in
rooms with televisions or other noisy devices when it's time for the birds to
roost. Total darkness is not advised either, use a small 7 watt bulb in the room
to provide enough night light for the bird to find it's perch and drink or feed
if needed.
Keep all electrical wires, extension cords, etc, completely hidden and
unavailable to the birds.
Never use Kerosene or similar type heaters that give off fumes. Coal and wood
stoves are no nos. No matter how hard you may' try, a wood burner will emit
fumes and smoke into your home that may kill your lovebird. If you have a home
with a wood burner completely isolate a room only for your birds and use an
infrared or electric heater.
A fairly constant 80 degrees Fahrenheit temperature is about right for
lovebirds.
It's not a good idea to keep finches, cockatiels, rosellas, or budgies with
lovebirds
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