CHOOSING A LOVEBIRD
General Information
The Peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) is the largest and most commonly kept of the nine species of lovebirds. This small, colourful, short-tailed parrot originates from Africa.
They are incredibly inquisitive, playful and possess a delightful, spirited sassiness. They are in general, poor talkers but commonly full of delightful chatter. They love to hide under paper, on shoulders under long hair or even in pockets.
Although not generally destructive, they do enjoy chewing. Providing non-toxic fresh branches, pieces of paper and pet-safe toys will afford many hours of entertainment for this curious little pet.
During breeding, lovebirds will take strips of chewed paper or other material, tuck it under the feathers of the wing and rump, then carry them back to the nest. This repetitive behavior is often seen in lone female birds.
A "pair" of lovebirds will often bond strongly to each other even if they are the same sex. As a "pair", they usually live very compatibly with each other and may even go through the antics of nest building.
Despite the name "love" bird, these animals can be very territorial and aggressive in a colony situation or with other bird species.
Other common species of Lovebirds are the Black-masked Lovebird, Blue-masked Lovebird, and Fischer’s Lovebird.
Purchasing a Lovebird
Lovebirds may be purchased from a bird shop or a reputable breeder.
When selecting a lovebird, try to choose a young bird as it will be easier to tame and train. Older, wild, colony or parent raised birds may prove difficult to tame.
Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely socialized with humans. Young birds are easier to tame and adapt readily to new environments and situations.
Your new bird should be exposed early to different events (young and old people, males and females, other pets, car trips, visits to the veterinarian, etc.) to help promote a calm, well adjusted pet.
The lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird.
After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by your veterinarian.
Veterinary Care
Lovebirds require regular, routine veterinary health check-ups.
Your veterinarian can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather trim )and laboratory tests as needed. During these semi-annual check-ups, health, nutritional and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed.
Veterinary check-ups help prevent disease.
Colour
Mature
depends on the species; predominantly green with orange, yellow, blue, black, white or grey markings, usually more dominant on the head, neck and rump
Immature
similar to the adult
Sexing
Mature
no external sex differences
females weigh slightly more than the males
surgical sexing or blood testing methods must be employed to differentiate between the sexes
Immature
no external sex differences
Weight
average 40 - 60 grams
Size
average 13 - 16.5 cm in length
Life span
6 -12 years (maximum 25 years)
Diet
Pelleted food and fresh foods and vegetables
Breeding
sexual maturity - 8-12 months
prolific breeders in captivity
Brood Size
3 - 7 whitish eggs hatch in 18 - 24 days, young leave the nest in 5-6 weeks
Cage
minimum 2 ft x 2 ft x 3 ft (60 cm x 60 cm x 90 cm)