Lovebirds aren’t actually in love with each other; their close proximity to one another is what gives them their nickname. Although lifelong relationships are possible and can occur, it is not always the case. Lovebirds should be kept in pairs because they are social birds.
They are curious, lively, and occasionally extremely aggressive birds. They can talk nonstop all day, often in an extremely harsh voice.
Native to Africa and a few adjacent islands, lovebirds are. They are typically found in small flocks of 10 to 20 couples in their natural habitat. Lovebirds are parrots of the Psittaciformes, or family of parrots, belonging to the Aves class and genus Agapornis.
Agapornis is a combination of the Greek words agape, which means love, and ornis, which means bird. Lovebirds normally live from 10 to 15 years, while some have been known to reach the age of 20 while being kept in captivity.
Lovebirds come in nine different species, eight of which can be bought as pets. The South American parrot lets are not related to them.
Sexually Monomorphic (Similar)
- Fischer’s Lovebird
- Black-cheeked Lovebird (Blackfaced)
- Masked Lovebird (Yellow collars or Black Masked)
- Peach-faced Lovebird (Rosyfaced)
- Nyasa Lovebird (Lilian’s)
Sexually Heterogeneous
- Red-faced Lovebird
- Madagascar Lovebird (Gray-headed)
- Abyssinian Lovebird
Characterized by Eye Rings:
With Eye Rings
- Fischers
- Masked
- Black-cheeked
- Nyasa
Without Eye Rings:
- Redfaced
- Madagascar
- Abyssinian
- Peach-faced
The Characteristics Of A Healthy Lovebird
- Bright, round eyes
- Active, alert, and curious disposition
- Nostrils clear of discharge
- 4 well-shaped toes, 2 facing forward and 2 facing backward, with finished nails
- The smooth beak closes completely
- Feathers lay tight against the body
What To Avoid In A Healthy Lovebird
1. A bird with feathers fluffed up
2. Deformed toes
3. A bird that reclines on the ground or in a corner.
4. Excessive plucking or excessive missing of feathers
5. Signs of weeping or runny eyes
6. Vent fouled with feces or badly stained
7. squeaking, wheezing, or other abnormal breathing sounds
8. Bald spots
9. Dull or lifeless feathers
10. Lethargic behavior
11. Nervous behavior
12. Nasal discharge
13. A bird too large for its normal size (Birds can and do become obese.)
If you are a new or inexperienced lovebird owner, avoid choosing a bird that you suspect may be ill and instead opt for the healthiest bird you can find. Although many illnesses are treatable, it is best to leave these birds with knowledgeable keepers. Don’t purchase a sick lovebird out of sympathy.
If at all feasible, ask the breeder or pet store for a certificate of health that states that a replacement will be made if the lovebird gets ill or stops reproducing.
There are many different lovebirds available; they are not uncommon. So take your time and only choose birds whose colors and personalities you truly admire.
Keeping Lovebirds as Pets One male and one female lovebird should be kept together at all times.
Although they occasionally argue, don’t be shocked if they do so because they genuinely enjoy each other’s company. It is advisable to locate each lovebird a new mate if they are in a constant state of conflict.
When purchasing birds from a breeder, confirm that the breeder will replace any incompatible birds. Only one pair of birds should be kept per cage as a general rule.
Keep one or more cages far enough apart from one another to prevent the birds from attacking one another. It’s possible that new birds won’t always be warmly accepted when they are introduced to a home where other birds already live.
Lovebird behavior
Lovebirds require daily activity outside of their cages.
Don’t forget: Birds Love to Fly.
They can’t be physically or psychologically healthy if they spend all of their time confined in a cage.
Birds placed in cages would frequently sit on a perch and continuously flap their wings.
Lovebirds require between ten and twelve hours of sleep per night.
When it’s time for the birds to roost, avoid keeping them in rooms with televisions or other loud appliances.
Use a modest 7-watt lamp in the room to offer enough night light for the bird to discover its perch and drink or eat as needed. Complete darkness is also not recommended.
Keep all extension cables, electrical wires, and other exposed objects out of the reach of the birds.
Never use heaters that emit fumes, such as those that use kerosene. Wood and coal burners should not be used. Despite your best efforts, a wood burner will release fumes and smoke into your house that could harm or even kill your lovebird. If you live in a house with a wood stove, completely isolate a room and use an infrared or electric heater solely for your birds.
For lovebirds, a temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
Finches, cockatiels, rosellas, and budgies shouldn’t be kept alongside lovebirds.
