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LOVEBIRD BASICS
· Three species are available to pet owners: the common peach-faced in its many color mutations; the masked lovebird with a green or blue body, black mask and white eye-ring; and the Fisher's lovebird, available in a few color mutations. Other species are prevalent but rarely available as pets: the Madagascar lovebird, the Abyssinian lovebird, the red-faced lovebird, the Nyasa lovebird, and the black-cheeked lovebird.
· Hand-fed lovebirds make the best companion birds, Owners should provide plenty of handling -socialization to their pets to keep them tame.
· Despite their reputation and their name, a single lovebird makes the best pet. If you are determined to have more than one lovebird, they should be housed in separate cages.
· Lovebirds are active, They need plenty of toys, swings and stimulation for their gymnastic efforts!
· Lovebirds like to sleep in a roost. They should be provided with a nestbox, tent, tube or snuggle area for sleeping.
· Hen peach-faced lovebirds build tunnel nests within a nestbox and should be provided with palm fronds, grasses or other commercial nesting materials. If these aren't available, the hen will often tear up newspaper for her nest. She carries these building materials around tucked into her rump feathers.
· Feed a lovebird a formulated diet and supplement it with fruits and vegetables for variety and stimulation.
· Provide a lovebird with fresh water at all times. Would you drink from that water cup?
· Lovebird should receive a well-bird exam and regular checkups. They are susceptible to and can carry Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), so make these a priority during a thorough examination.
What else does a pet lovebird need? LOVE!