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, colorful, 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 nontoxic 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. The young single
bird can be a wonderful, affectionate and interactive family pet. 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 pet shop or, better, 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. Importantly having a captive-bred bird also
means that the wild bird population is not threatened further by catching and
importing wild birds. This practice is bad both for the bird captured and transported
as well as for the dwindling population left in the wild. Your new bird should
be exposed early to different events (young and old people, males and females,
other pets, car trips, visits to the veterinary surgeon, 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 vet.
Veterinary care
Lovebirds require regular, routine veterinary health checkups. Your vet can
perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather trim )and laboratory
tests as needed. During these annual checkups., health, nutritional and maintenance
issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary checkups. help prevent disease
and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy relationship between
you and your bird.
Color
Mature
- depends on the species; predominantly green with orange, yellow, blue,
black, white or gray markings, usually more dominant on the head, neck and
rump
Immature
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 1.5 - 2 ounces (40 - 60 grams)
Size - average 5 - 6.5 inches (13 - 16.5 cm) in length
Life span - 6 -12 years (maximum 14 years)
Diet - consult your vet or see the information page here
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)
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