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Lovebirds – what is this species?

The purchase of a canary, parrot, or other species of bird may be considered by many parents a great way to keep their child occupied and pet companion. However, it is worth remembering that they can be demanding pets, as exemplified by lovebirds. Their upbringing can be difficult, and although they usually do not cause as many problems as, for example, an untrained St. Bernard, they can still take their toll. Lovers are living creatures for their needs. In our text we present all the relevant information about this species. Meet these popular birds!

Where do lovebirds come from?

Lovebirds lived in southwestern Africa. They occupied – and partly still are – the territory of, inter alia, Angola, all the way to the Oranje River. It is the shores of the reservoirs that are the places where this species can be found most often. They gather there in large colonies gathering up to several thousand individuals. At rivers, they replenish the water lost throughout the day, as they usually live in dry savannas. Most often they can be found in areas rarely frequented by humans, with solitary acacia or baobab trees.

Lovebirds – how to get them used to humans?

Lovebirds not used to humans will not be grateful companions and can sometimes react with aggression. You need to start the process of socialization and taming birds with people early:

  1. At the beginning, it is worth giving the animals a few days of peace so that they can get used to the new place (birds also experience a change of location, which not every person remembers).
  2. During this period, you only need to change their food and water.
  3. After a few days of peace, you can spend more and more time in the company of birds, slowly clean their cage and talk to them a lot.
  4. Later on, you’ll be able to start serving the treats – first pass them to the parakeets through the bars, and then straight from your hand.

Is the lovebird a loud bird?

Most birds “talk” quite often. Some of them (especially African Gray Parrots, Amazons and Cockatoos) can even imitate human speech! Lovebirds cannot repeat words in humans, but they belong to loud species. They make characteristic, high-pitched and sharp noises that usually sound the same to humans. However, birds can communicate a wide variety of emotions in this way – from joy to surprise to fear. In the wild, loud sounds were a warning of danger. Breeding birds still have this instinct that is hard to eradicate.

Lovebirds and other species of birds

While parakeets should be kept best in parks, they do not get along well with other birds. Smaller species can even be pecked to death by them. Lovebirds can peck larger birds acutely, which can result in not only nerves and a tense atmosphere, but also dangerous wounds. Their contamination can kill injured birds. It is worth remembering that parakeets have very strong beaks and can deal serious damage.

Lovebirds and their colors, i.e. the colors of these birds

There are several color varieties of parakeets. Each of them is approximately the same size (15-17 cm long). Moreover, the green color of the coat is dominant, although the differences may appear in the feathers (mainly on the head). The most popular varieties of parakeets are:

  • Black-headed lovebird – has a greenish plumage practically all over its body, and the tips of the feathers are often blue. The bird’s neck and breast are yellow, while the head has a dark gray (or even black) shade with a rim around the eyes. The beak is red;
  • Fischer lovebird (also called redheaded) – does not differ much from the black-headed variety. It has the same color of the body and the only difference is the orange, slightly reddish head;
  • red-fronted lovebird – this variety is distinguished by the fact that it does not have a yellow belt around the neck and on the chest. It is red in color (the shade can be described as the color of watermelon) and has a very bright beak (this one is not red).

How can you tell the gender of a lovebird?

Female and male lovebirds are not very different from each other. In the red-fronted variety, females have slightly lighter plumage on the head. In the case of other color varieties, the sex can also be determined by the shape of the head – males are a bit more “angular”. Another characteristic feature is the pelvic bones, which are wider in females. You can see it in the way you sit. The females, when seizing the poles, spread their legs wider. The difference is also the weight. Males are – even unlike mammals – lighter.

Lovebirds – a cage

A cage suitable for parakeets should be made of metal, as the wooden cage will become shredded after a few days. It is worth paying attention to the thickness of the bars. These birds, thinner than the diameter of 2 millimeters, can easily bite, and then it is easy to get into drama. Size is also extremely important. Lovebirds need a cage with a minimum size of 80 x 50 x 50 cm. However, it must be emphasized here that this size is absolutely minimal and it is best not to save on the dimensions of the cage. In too small a space, the birds will be unhappy and frustrated.

Lovebirds – or maybe an aviary instead of a cage?

A spacious aviary will be a great choice for any parakeet. In it, birds can fly freely, and the owner does not have to worry about threats. It is worth noting here that the aviary can be internal or external. Lovebirds are extremely resistant to temperature and moisture fluctuations. They can be successfully outdoors from the early days of spring until late autumn. Some breeders keep their birds outside even in winter, however this is a very irresponsible approach. In subzero temperatures it is easy to get extremely cold, so it’s a good idea to take your birds home during the coldest months.

Is a lovebird a long-lived bird?

Most small birds aren’t very long-lived. The opposite tendency can be noticed here than in dogs (the smaller the breed size, statistically longer it lives). Lovebirds, like most birds of their size, usually live around 10 years. It’s not very long for a bird. However, for many families it is still a long commitment. Therefore, it is worth remembering when giving a child such a gift.

What should you feed lovebirds with?

You should feed the lovebirds primarily with seeds. Special feeds for lovebirds are available in pet stores, but it is worth supplementing the animals’ diet yourself. You can serve them, for example:

  • unripe corn;
  • shelled sunflower seeds;
  • dandelion;
  • spinach.

It is also good to buy the birds gnawing twigs, because this species has a biting habit in the wild. The micronutrients contained in the bark are important here. From time to time, parakeets also need protein (e.g. in the form of larvae), and during the breeding season – a lot of calcium in the form of ready-made cubes or eggshells.

Lovebirds – the price of one bird

Lovebirds are very popular birds, so their price is not too high. One flying pet can be purchased for as little as PLN 50. However, much lower prices should raise doubts. They may indicate a questionable source, for example pseudo-cultures. Birds from such places are bred in terrible conditions and used only as a source of income. By purchasing birds from an unreliable source, you are supporting this barbaric practice, so be sure to check the source carefully before buying.

Lovebirds can be a unique decoration in any home, but you must bear in mind that they are living creatures. Therefore, one must remember about the requirements of these birds and remember to provide them with appropriate conditions.

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