Click on Picture to Enlarge
|
Here is a bit of info. on those big parrots in a little body.. the ones with the adorable faces, that we call "lovebirds".
Lovebirds, are giant parrots in tiny little bodies, and someone needs to tell them that! Lovebirds, are fiesty, somewhat aggressive little parrots.
Lovebirds do not generally make suitable cage mates with other birds, due to their aggressive natures.
They need constant handling to keep them tame, or they have the tendency to become flighty. If not handled regularly, they can become nippy as well. However, lovebirds do make good family pets. They do not have the tendency to become "one person" birds, and normally the bigger the family, the better a lovebird will do, because it will be handled more.
Female lovebirds are much more aggressive than males, and can lose some of their tameness during cycling. Some females will lay eggs, while others, will only be moody.
Lovebirds are best kept in a cockatiel size cage or 2X2X2. They need lots of toys, and things to swing and play on. Lovebirds LOVE swings, and boings, so be sure to equip your cage with one or both. Make sure you have plenty of toys, so you can rotate three or four of them, to avoid boredom.
They should also have perches of various sizes and heights. Perches of various sizes help exercies the feet and keep them from getting sore. They should also have at least one pumice or sandstone perch to help keep nails trimmed.
In my experience, lovebirds benefit more from a mineral block than a cuttlebone. They tend to chew more on a mineral block, while a cuttle bone just sits in their cage. If you have an egg laying hen, a seperate dish of crushed oyster shell, will help with the calcium intake. Or, a dish of egg food (normally for canaries) is sometimes enjoyed.
Lovebirds are not usually good veggie eaters, but if you have been lucky enough to get a baby from a breeder that has raised them right, and they are eating veggies when you get them, make sure you keep up the good work! A bird that eats a good balanced diet will outlive a bird that eats strictly seed by almost double. A nice mixture of frozen mixed veggies (thawed, not cooked) and pasta (cooked until just soft) is a nice supplement to add to their diet. Lovebirds also enjoy cooked rice, raw broccoli, shredded carrots, and warm birdy breads.
Lovebirds like to have a "nest" to sleep in, so a hidey hut or tent is ideal. Unless you want to breed, I do recommend a nest box, as this normally encourages masturbation behaviour in males, and egg laying in females.
If you want your lovebird to stay tame, ignore the old wives tale of lovebirds needing to be kept in pairs. This is simply not true. Lovebirds are called that because of their extremely social nature. If you want your lovebird to be tame, and you have the time to handle it regularly keep it single. Lovebirds form strong bonds fast, and before you know it, your lovebird will not want anything to do with you, if you get it a friend. However, if you don't have alot of time to devote to your lovebird, or if you have a wild lovebird, you should get it a friend, as a lonely lovebird is a sad sight. These little guys just aren't happy unless they have someone to play with.
Lovebirds are not known for their talking ability.. in fact, I have never known one in person that did talk.
Lovebirds are more prone to respiratory infections, than most other kinds of birds. Signs of this are almost inmistakeable.
-dull, tired looking eyes
-sitting fluffed up
-decrease in vocalization
-and most of all tail bobbing (breathing hard enough to make it's tail move up and down)
-accompanied by wheezing
This can be cured with an avian antibiotic, but, don't attempt to cure a bird on your own without any experience!
As long as you set firm guidelines for this adorable little bird, you and your whole family, can have the joys of a large parrot without the large expense!
|
