Lovebirds – The common facts

• The smallest of the parrot species

• Endless colour variations

• Often described as ‘bundles of joy’

• Easily bond to owners

• Can even learn to talk a few words

Species of Lovebirds

Common Species

Peach-faced Lovebirds

Common Species

Masked Lovebirds

(sometimes known as the cobalt species)

Common Species

Fischer’s lovebirds

Facts about common species

• Originate from South Africa and result in thousands of colour mutations

• It is important NOT to inter-breed between species

Inter-bred babies can be very nervous and not easily socialised

Rare Species

Nyasa Lovebirds Black-cheeked lovebirds

Rare Species

Madagascar Lovebirds Abyssinian Lovebirds

dimorphic species i.e. males and females identified visually

Rare Species

Red-faced Lovebirds Black-collared Lovebirds

dimorphic species i.e. males and females identified visually

Facts about rare species

• Originate from South Africa as well, except the Madagascar lovebirds

• Restrictions on importing these species to Europe and the USA

• Very rare in captivity because of particular diet requirements

Some lesser known facts…

• Can live alone without a partner – if they are given plenty of attention

• When grown up, they have the IQ of a

one-year old toddler

• Can also be trained to exit and enter their

cages

The Peach-faced species

• The most common species in captivity

• At least 17 distinct mutations allowing for over 100,000 colour combinations

Personality and character

• Lively and inquisitive• Can mimic noises and

whistles• Enjoy clowning around• Like to chirp to themselves

Give them a delightful home!

• Make sure the cage is spacious enough – the pet shop will give you a suitable size

• Put the cage in the room where the family spends the most time in the day

Taking care of your lovebird

2. Ensure a balanced diet

• The pet shop will recommend the suitable pellet diet

• Vary the menu with fruits and vegetables

• The only foods lovebirds cannot eat are: • Spices• Chocolates• Avocados / kiwis

Taking care of your lovebird

3. Be their best friend!

• Hand feeding makes them more sociable and friendly

• Talk to them as if you are talking to a one-year old toddler

• They show you their boredom if they spend a long time

on the perch plucking their feathers i.e. give them lots of

attention and toys

Give them plenty of toys…

• The more colourful or shiny the objects are, the better

• Give them objects which they can tear apart

Hand feeding

Hand feeding

• Movements near cage

• Take food from owners

• Make them sociable

A socialised lovebird

Lovebirds get to know their owners’ hands and learn to trust them completely.

Lovebirds typically live 15 years,

therefore, it is worth the time, money

and effort to become their best friends!