Love Birds

Scientific Name Origin Food Life Span Size Housing Diet Feeding Recommended Supplies Normal Behavior & Interaction Habitat Maintenance Grooming & Hygiene Signs of a Healthy Animal Common Health Issues Red Flags

 

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SCIENTIFIC NAME: Includes blue mask, fisher, lutino, and peachface

ORIGIN: African continent (various areas depending on species)

FOOD: bird seed

LIFE SPAN: Up to 30 years with proper care

SIZE: 4 to 7 inches long

 

HOUSING:

• Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts
• A cage approximately 18" W x 18" D x 24" H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 3/8" apart, makes
  a good home for your lovebird; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a
  flight cage is strongly recommended
• Perches should be at least 4" long and ½" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help
  prevent arthritis is recommended
• A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with
  cage paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning; to avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches
• Bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes
  hazardous to your birds health
  care menu

 

DIET:

• Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet;
• use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, carrots, and green leafy vegetables
• Clean, fresh, filtered and chlorine-free water changed daily
• Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol, or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems
  care menu

 

FEEDING:

• If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually; fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available
• Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily and discarded when not eaten within 24
  hours; lovebirds appreciate quality and variety in their food
  care menu

 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES:

• Cage and cage cover
• Bird bath
  Vitamin supplements
  
• Cage paper or substrate
• Cuttlebone
• Variety of perches
  
• Pellets and fortified seed
• Millet spray
• Variety of toys
  
• Food and water dishes
• Nail clippers
• Treats and play gym
  
• Grooming spray
• Styptic gel
• Book about lovebirds
  care menu

 

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION:

• Lovebirds love to chew on things and take baths
  They can be territorial
• Lovebirds have a unique chatter and a naturally loud call
  care menu

 

HABITAT MAINTENANCE:

• Clean and disinfect the cage and perches regularly; replace substrate or cage liner weekly or more often if needed; replace food and water daily
• Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat
  regularly
• Ensure that there are no cage parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead and lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird
  care menu

 

GROOMING & HYGIENE:

• Provide filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when
  done; as an alternative, mist the bird with water or a grooming spray
• Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or
  escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird
• Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird
  care menu

 

SIGNS OF A HEALTHY ANIMAL:

•Active, alert, and sociable • Eats and drinks throughout the day • Dry nostrils and bright, dry eyes • Beak, legs, and feet appear normal • Clean, dry vent • Smooth, well-groomed feathers
care menu

 

COMMON HEALTH ISSUES:

Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action

Chlamydiosis: Appetite loss, fluffed feathers, nasal discharge.
Seek immediate veterinary attention.

Conjunctivitis: Red eyes; tearing; closed, puffy eyes.
Wash eyes with warm water; seek treatment from veterinarian.

Diarrhea: Fecal portion of stool not formed. Multiple causes, from change in diet to internal parasites.
Seek veterinary attention. Ensure correct diet. Reduce fruit intake.
care menu

 

RED FLAGS:

•Beak swelling or accumulations • Fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers • Sitting on floor of habitat • Red or swollen eyes • Loss of appetite • Eye or nasal discharge • Wheezing or coughing • Runny or discolored stools • Favoring one foot • Loss of appetite
care menu

REFERENCES & LINKS: