Lovebirds Facts, Behavior and Health Care Info

Many people are under the assumption that lovebirds don’t make good pets, especially if you don’t buy them in pairs. It is true that a pair of bonded lovebirds should remain together, but a baby that is handfed can make a good pet, even by itself. These birds love attention and need to be interacted with and handled every day. Failure to do so may lead to your lovebird becoming withdrawn and standoffish.

History and Appearance
Lovebirds come in nine different species. The most common pets are the peachfaced, Fischer’s and masked species. Other varieties of lovebirds include the Abyssinian, Nyasa, black-cheeked, redfaced, black-collared and the Madagascar lovebird, which is the only species not native to Africa.

Even though the first three mentioned above are the only ones normally kept as pets, the numerous color mutations make choosing a lovebird very difficult. Peachfaced lovebirds alone have seventeen different color mutations. These seventeen have been bred together over the years, creating thousands of different combinations. Peachfaced lovebirds with a peach cap are usually the most affectionate types from this group. The normal and lutino varieties are somewhat louder and usually on the aggressive side. These birds also have red faces.

Behavior and Characteristics
Lovebirds are very high energy and playful. It is recommended that you use a cage a bit larger than the parakeet cages that are commonly used for these small birds. This will allow you to put plenty of toys inside their cage, and still have room to spare. These birds enjoy playing on swings and Olympic style rings, and are also quite fond of playing with several different toys at the same time.

Lovebirds are very playful and fun to watch. People who are confined to wheel chairs and live in retirement communities are often fans of lovebirds due to their active and affectionate personalities. Provided someone is around to give them a hand, lovebirds make great pets for the elderly and people who are disabled.

People usually don’t consider lovebirds as pets if they are looking for a good talker, but surprisingly, these birds are able to learn a few words. Without too much trouble, they can be taught to say their names or ‘hello’, although their voices aren’t very clear. The lovebird’s real strength is learning basic tricks, like playing dead.

Lovebirds Care Info
Your lovebird’s diet should consist of a variety of available options. Cockatiel seeds and pellets, along with vegetables, bean mix and whole grain cereal are acceptable. Orange slices make a tasty treat for lovebirds as well. A calcium block or cuttlebone should also be provided for your birds to chew on.

If you don’t have the space for a large bird or the time required to care for some of the more unique species, you may want to consider a lovebird. These are some of the most playful and affectionate birds available and will keep you and your family entertained for hours.

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