GENERAL LOVEBIRD CARE

An article from Agapornis News, the Newsletter of: The African Lovebird and Foreign Parrot Society of Qld Inc.

Lovebirds come from Africa and belong to the genus 'Agapornis'. There are nine species that make up the genus, Peachface, Mask, Fischer, Madagascar, Nyasa, Abysinian, Blackcheek, Redface and Swaindini.

The most popular species in Australia are the first five species named. Lovebirds have not been imported into Australia for many years. In recent times, mutations have appeared in some of the species, especially the Peachfaced where more than fifteen different varieties have evolved and caused interest in these charming birds.

Cages

Lovebirds are fairly easy to breed in cages or aviaries and quickly adapt to warm, clean enclosures of all types. Generally, however, Lovebirds are best kept in small aviaries. A suitable cage for Lovebirds is as follows:

Length: 2.9m, Width: 0.9m, Height: 2.1m

One end should be closed in for shelter. It should be draught-proof and dry. Sixteen gauge wire should be used to resist mice and is durable.

Feed

Lovebirds like a varied seed diet, and like all birds, they will flourish on a balanced diet plus greenfood and vitamin supplement. It is important to see that the seed is clean and fresh, otherwise problems occur with the digestion. Clean fresh water daily is necessary.

Seeds form the basis of their diet in captivity, but additional minutes each week spent preparing greenfood, fruit and other extras will keep the bird in condition throughout the year. On a balanced diet there is an adequate intake of fat, protein and carbohydrates as well as vitamins and water to meet the birds requirements. Small parrot mix or Lovebird mix is widely available.

Grit

This is a vital ingredient in a Lovebird's diet. When food is swallowed it enters the crop and can be stored before passing through into the gizzard. Here the grit assists digestion by grinding up the seed and stopping food sticking together. There are a few types available, so ask at the pet or produce store for assistance. A medium size shell grit is recommended.

Greenfood

Seeding grasses, spinach, and chickweed are the most popular offerings to lovebirds. Also suitable is corn on the cob, sprouted mung beans and celery. Make sure that all greenfood is well washed and chemical free. Especially seeding grasses that may have been sprayed for eradication or have been exposed to exhaust fumes, etc.

Breeding

Lovebirds breed readily in captivity provided the birds are in condition. Lovebirds are one of the few parrot species that build a nest. The size of the nest varies according to type of Lovebird. Nest generally should be about 280mm deep x 170mm wide x 200mm long. They should be hung in a draught free area and plenty of fresh nesting material made available, eg. seeding grasses, palm leaves, willow branches and hay.

Health

Prevention is far more practical than any cure. An adequate diet will prevent a majority of disorders. Cleanliness of water, food and surroundings is of extreme importance. Protection against draughts is a primary concern and protection from accidents, another. Guard against mice, rats and cats which may attack and disturb the birds at night, causing them to leave their nests. Birds are hesitant to fly at night and any eggs or nestlings will chill quickly when deserted. The frightened birds may injure themselves by flying into perches and netting in the dark.

Sexing

One of the problems associated with Lovebird breeding is sexing the birds. Only in the Madagascar and the Abysinian Lovebirds are the sexes clearly defined. The most common method of sexing is by the pelvic bone. The eggs of the hen pass through this bone and usually there is a greater gap than in cocks. Young birds are difficult due to the fact that until the hens reach maturity, the pelvic bones are similar. There are many other methods, but suffice to say that observation is still the best teacher. At least the birds are certain which are cocks and hens and their behaviour is sometimes a clear indicator, ie. screeching, fanning of tail, carrying nest material. However, even the production of eggs is no guarantee. Sometimes two hens will build and lay infertile eggs.