Lovebirds

Caring for a Lovebird

Lovebirds are small to medium-sized birds in the parrot family that are very social and intelligent. Caring for a lovebird requires a commitment to supervise and interact with your bird. They can be easy to train and make a great companion pet.

General Care

Lovebirds get their name from the strong pair bond they have with their monogamous mate. They can be kept singly. If you have a single lovebird, you must provide the necessary social interaction that is missing from another bird. They are energetic birds that originate in Africa and come in a variety of beautiful colors. Fun Fact, did you know there are nine species of lovebirds? They are vocal birds and take well to training. Without proper care, however, lovebirds can develop unhealthy habits such as screaming, biting and destructive chewing. For hand tame birds it is strongly recommended for their wings should be kept properly clipped; ask your Avian vet for recommendations about this and general health care.

Housing

Cage width and depth are more important than height. Make sure the cage is zinc safe and lead free and has appropriate bar size and spacing; your lovebird should not be able to fit its head between the bars or to bend or damage the bars with its beak. Natural hardwood branches make the best perches. We recommend using a variety of perch sizes to help exercise the bird’s feet. Choose a variety of nontoxic wood or acrylic chew toys to occupy your bird and rotate them to avoid boredom. Keep the cage placed off the floor and away from any drafts. Make sure there is a grate over the droppings that will keep the bird away from its waste. Do not place water bowls, food bowls, or toys underneath perches to avoid soiling.

Diet

Lovebirds need a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, whether on a pellet or a seed diet. Beneficial foods include dark green, leafy vegetables like broccoli, dandelions, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Healthy table foods like cooked eggs, corn, beans, pasta, and rice can also be offered. Remove perishable foods after a few hours and at bedtime. A seedonly diet will result in malnutrition. Eventually, a lovebird should become acclimated to a diet containing specially formulated pellets. An AVIAN vet can help with more information. Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol.

Cleaning

Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom, fittings regularly washed with a safe bird cage cleaner and deodorizer. Dishes should be soaked in a 10% bleach and water solution.

Fertility

Egg laying is quite common and can start any time from five months to over ten years of age. Excessive egg laying can be a health risk, check with an avian vet if you have a pair of birds. Females laying eggs should be given extra calcium to avoid deficiencies.

Health

Lovebirds should be examined by a qualified avian vet at least once a year or as soon as possible if any bleeding, injuries, or other signs are noted. It can be hard to tell when a bird is ill, and by the time you notice a problem, the sickness is usually well advanced. Delaying a visit with an avian vet or using over the counter or human medicines may be fatal.

Warnings

Lovebirds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or other toxic fumes. Do not use non-stick cookware near a bird (they release fumes that are toxic to birds).

Companion animals are potential carriers of infectious diseases that can be passed to humans. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent the potential spread of diseases:

  • Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet and/or habitat contents
  • Carry hand sanitizer when venturing outside of your home with pet
  • Do not kiss or let your mouth come into contact with your pet
  • Keep your companion’s habitat, water & food bowls, décor, and other surfaces as clean as possible and remove droppings daily

Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should speak with their physician when considering a new pet. For more information regarding pets and disease, go to the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets/. The information provided on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. It is strongly advised to seek further information on the care of your animal. In the event of serious health concerns consult an avian veterinarian.

Recommended Supplies at Your Local Kahoots

  • Higgin’s Intune Harmony food or
  • ZuPreem Medium bird Natural or Fruit Blend food
  • Sweet Harvest Conure & Lovebird food or
  • KT Conure and Lovebird food
  • Food and water bowls
  • Cuttlebone and mineral block
  • Spray Millet treat
  • Kahoots Organic Stain & Odor Remover
  • Assorted KT Bird Treats
  • KT Kay Kob bedding
  • Happy Beaks Cage Toys
  • Missing Link Avian Formula
  • ZM Avian Plus Vitamins & Minerals
  • ZM Avian Electrolytes
  • Spray Bottle (for bathing)

Additional Recommended Supplies

  • 18”x18”x23” or larger Flight Cage
  • Cage Stand
  • Birdie Bloomer Seed Guard