Lovebirds have become one of the most popular groups of small psittacines, and the free-breeding habits of some species have given rise to numerous mutations over the past decade or so.

 

Diet

 

Lovebirds typically feed on a diet of Canary seeds and millets, augmented with groats, sunflower seed and small pine nuts. Green food is often taken readily, but lovebirds are less keen on items such as sweet apple and carrot.

 

Breeding Habits

 

Pairs are usually housed on their own, especially when breeding mutation species were it is vital to know the parentage of off-spring. Lovebirds tend to prove spiteful, both towards each other and members of other species, and will fight with neighbours. Flights must be therefore double wire to prevent lovebirds nipping toes off your other birds.

Lovebird breeders do keep lovebirds successfully in a colony basis, and this is probably because over the years, aggressive traits have been bred out of the stock. In addition, the colonies are generally established groups, with all birds being introduced at once, and no new individuals being released at a later date.

 

Nesting

 

Depending on the species of lovebird, the female will carry nesting material into the nest in various ways. The Peach-faced Lovebird tucks nesting material in the feathers of its rump, while the Masked Lovebird carries nesting material back in its beak. Once the lovebirds start constructing their nest, mating will follow. During this time, the lovebirds will mate repeatedly. Eggs follow 3–5 days later. The female will spend hours inside her nesting box before eggs are laid. Once the first egg is laid, a new egg will follow every other day until the clutch is complete, typically at four to six eggs. Even without a nest, lovebirds sometimes produce eggs.

 

Sexing

 

Determining Lovebird sex is difficult. At maturity of one year, it may show signs of whether it is male or female, such as ripping up paper and stuffing it into its feathers (female behaviour) or regurgitating for its owners (male behaviour: the male feeds the nesting female). This behaviour is not a reliable indicator. The only sure method is DNA testing.

 

Summary

 

Lovebirds can make very good pets, although very vocal making high-pitched noises. Lovebirds can be particularly vocal between dusk and dawn. This is a normal parrot behaviour as flock animals, where they are calling to each other before the start of the day and just before they settle down for the night.

One word of caution, Lovebird love to chew things. When they are flying within a household, it is wise to watch them carefully and protect any furniture, electrical wiring or anything else that they could possibly chew on. Try to place fresh willow or oak branches in a favourite spot (e.g. near a high/sunny platform) to satisfy this natural behaviour.

 

For more information on Lovebirds please refer to the additional posts.