Lovebird Every , even within the same species, has his or her Agapornis own personality. Some are very bold and interactive, and some are subdued and shy. The more you work with your parrot, the more comfortable it will become and the more his or her own personality will emerge. A hand-raised lovebird is an excellent first parrot for a responsible child.

DIET: Contrary to popular belief, parrots do not live by seed (or nuts) alone! A seed/-only diet can result in nutrient deficiency and diseases such as liver, kidney and heart disease, as well as obesity, all of which can severely shorten the life expectancy of your pet.

Pelleted diets have been carefully formulated to meet the LIFE SPAN: 10-15 years specific needs of the pet parrot. If your is not used to AVERAGE SIZESIZE: 5-6 inches; 40-60 grams pellets, they can be mixed with seed. As time goes on, you can slowly convert your bird to a majority of pellet and fresh food diet.

written by an expert in the pet care veterinarian and an avian Your lovebird should also be offered fresh , fruit veterinarian and grains daily. Lovebirds also eat in the wild, so the information on this care sheet is a basic overview and not a provide small portions of cooked egg, chicken, or other substitute for veterinary care. For more information and to find a healthy protein. Be sure to remove any fresh foods that have qualified avian veterinarian, go to www.AAV.org . not been eaten within a 24-hour period. ______Never feed your parrot chocolate, sugary/fried foods, WILD HISTORYHISTORY:: There are 9 species of lovebirds. Eight are , or junk food. Good treats include Lafebers ® Nutri- native to Africa and one is native to . Common ® or Avi-Cakes. ® See our Avian Nutrition Handout for species in captivity are the -faced, Black-masked more information! (Yellow-collared) and Fischer’s lovebird. Named for the Greek agape (“love”) and ornis (“bird), these small parrots SUPPLEMENTS: If your bird is eating a balanced diet, the form strong monogamous pair bonds. Sexual maturity is only supplement that you will need is calcium. Calcium can about 1 year. Lovebirds are not sexually dimorphic, which usually be offered in the form of a cuttlebone or mineral means males and females are not visually different. A proper block. Do not use gravel or grit as it can cause impactions. DNA test by a qualified avian veterinarian can tell you For optimal calcium metabolism, your bird will need some whether your parrot is male or female. UVB exposure for at least 3-4 hours a day. Careful outdoor sun exposure or indoor UV lighting is recommended (see our PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICSCHARACTERISTICS:: Lovebirds have small, dark UV Lighting handout). eyes, smooth, rounded beaks and short tails. The wild types are generally green in color with different colors around the WATER: Clean, fresh water must always be available and shoulders and face. The peach-face has a tan beak. should be changed daily. All water should ideally be free of Fischer’s and masked have red beaks and a white ring fluorine, chlorine and heavy metals. We recommend that you around the eye. Mature female lovebirds have a habit of use unflavored bottled drinking water or bottled natural spring cutting strips of paper about 1.5 inches long and sticking water. If tap water is used, you should treat it with a water them in their rump feathers. This is likely a natural nest- conditioner. If you do not want to chemically de-chlorinate the material gathering behavior they do in the wild. water, you can leave an open container of tap water out for at least 24 hours with exposure to ultraviolet light. Do not use NORMAL PARROT BEHAVIOR AND ININTERACTION:TERACTION: distilled water, which can cause severe medical problems, Lovebirds are intelligent, social, and affectionate. They will since it lacks minerals that are essential to important body get along wonderfully in a home with a large family or just a functions. single person; whether they are a single bird or in a pair. However, if they are a bonded pair, they will have less Because your bird will often even bathe or dunk food in its interest in interacting and bonding with you. Lovebirds are water, it must be checked/changed several times a day. It is big parrots in little parrot bodies! They have huge recommended that the bowl be wiped clean with a paper personalities and will enjoy the entire family. They are curious towel at every change to prevent a slimy film (bacteria) from and active. For their size, they are extremely bold and collecting on the inside of the bowl. Thoroughly wash the strong-willed. They can talk, although they do not have bowl with a mild dishwashing detergent and water at least extensive vocabularies. once a day.

Parrots are flock-oriented , and they do well with HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT: Lovebirds need a clean, other in the home to communicate with. However, you warm, mentally stimulating environment. A single bird should and your family become part of your bird’s flock as well. have a cage no smaller than 18”x18”x18”. Two birds should Some parrots often get labeled as “one person birds.” have a cage measuring at least 18”x18”x18”. The basic rule Although this may sometimes seem to be the case, many of thumb is the bigger the better! Lovebirds are very active members of the household can have a good relationship with and like to flit back & forth as much as possible. Remember the family bird. Because most parrots mate for life in the wild, that birds fly horizontally, not vertically like a helicopter! it is natural to choose one person to have that closest Choose a cage that allows that natural movement. The relationship with. spacing between the bars of the cage should be no wider than 3/8 inch to a ½ inch. The cage should be placed in a • Nail clipper & styptic powder family- centered room where the bird will feel like a part of the • Pellet diet “flock”; however, the back of the cage should be positioned • Treats against a wall to provide security. Avoid drafty areas and any • Calcium supplement placement that will get too much direct sun for any portion of • Fluorescent UVB Bulb and housing the day. If your bird spends time out of its cage, make sure • Cage cover that any ceiling fans are off. Do not place your bird’s cage in the kitchen, as cooking fumes and even a small amount of CCCAGECAGE MAINTENANCE: Your lovebird’s cage should be smoke can be fatal. Average room temperature will be fine for checked daily. Feces and spoiled food should be wiped clean your bird, not to exceed 80 degrees. Be careful of drafts from of perches, cups and cage bars consistently to prevent health air conditioning, especially when bathing and misting. problems. Cage paper can be changed every to every-other day. Check the metal parts & bars of your bird’s cage Perches of varying materials and types should be included in periodically for chipped paint and rust, which can cause the cage, such as wood dowel, natural branch type, cotton serious health issues if your bird chews or swallows any rope or a cement perch. Having different sizes will exercise flaked pieces. the feet and prevent sores and foot-related health issues. We do not recommend sandpaper covered perches as they are The entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly at least once too abrasive for bird feet. every month with: • A mild dishwashing liquid in warm water • At least three clean bowls should be ready for use: one for Vinegar & water (1:8) or bleach and warm water (1:32) • fresh water, one for dry pellets/seed and one for fresh foods. Cage “furniture” should also be scrubbed clean with the same dilution.

• Rinse off all soap and bleach thoroughly with plain water Use newspapers to line the bottom of the cage. It is easy to before re-introducing your pet to its enclosure. change and you can monitor your bird’s feces daily. We do • NEVER MIX VINEGAR AND BLEACH – IT CREATES A not recommend sandpaper floor paper or corn cob bedding. TOXIC SOLUTION Corn cob can be ingested and cause obstructions and can grow molds on moist foods and feces. GROOMING & HYGIENE: All birds should be gently misted with a water bottle dedicated to this use only. Some birds We recommend against using mite protectors due to the enjoy going in the shower with their owners. In addition to potential for respiratory irritation (fortunately mites are not misting, a crock/bowl for bird bath should be offered to your common in parrots). In addition, a smoke-free household is bird at least twice weekly. best for bird and owner! Be sure to take your bird to your avian veterinarian for regular Your bird may appreciate a cage cover for nighttime. The nail and wing trims. Because lovebirds are heavy-bodied cover can block out any extraneous light and create a more birds, their wings must be trimmed conservatively to avoid secure sleeping place. Be careful not to use any fabrics for injury from falling. Never use styptic powder on your bird’s your cover that your bird might catch its claws or beak in, or skin–nails only! that it might pull strings from and ingest. SIGNS OF A HEALTHY BIRD: A healthy lovebird should be ENRICHMENT: In the wild, lovebirds spend most of their day perky, active and alert with bright, clear eyes, and nostrils. from morning until night flying and foraging for food. They You should observe your bird eating and drinking throughout also use their beaks constantly to chew open fruit and nuts. the day. Your bird should appear well groomed with neat, For the domestic parrot, their food is right at their beaks and bright feathers. The feathers should be mostly smoothed to this provides limited physical and mental enrichment. the body at rest – not continually fluffed. The feet and legs should be smooth and free of lumps, scabs and rough scales. At least three different types of toys should be available to Parrots vocalize regularly with chirps, clicks, whistles and your bird. Purchase lovebird size-appropriate toys, and learned words. Your bird should be interested in remember that parrot toys are meant to be destroyed! Parrots communicating, but may be shy or intimidated around new enjoy shiny, wooden, cotton rope, and plastic toys. It is very people or in new environments. A healthy bird is confident important to purchase toys made specifically for parrots as and inquisitive, although cautious and aware as well. We they are much more likely to be safer in construction and recommend your bird be seen by an avian vet for yearly material. Be sure to include foraging toys. These types of health exams. toys mimic the work that a bird might do to find food in the wild. Hide treats in cardboard tubes and balled up paper or SOME COMMON HEALTH PROBLES THAT REQUIRE purchase plastic puzzle toys, which force your pet to work for VETERINARY EVALUATION INCLUDE: its treats! • Fluffed feathers, missing patches of feathers, feathers being purposely plucked. Several types of “play places” should be available for safe • Evidence that your bird has stopped grooming. supervised, out-of-cage playtime. A play gym and portable T- • Bird sitting still and low on perch with a puffed-up stand can allow your bird to spend time with you in different appearance, drooping wings; may also stay at bottom of rooms. Supervised flying and walking/climbing is an excellent cage. daily physical requirement. • Beak swelling or unusual marks on cere . • Nasal discharge, eye discharge, wheezing or coughing. • RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES: Any change in stools including color or consistency. • • Cage Loss of appetite. • • Perches Favoring of one foot, holding a wing differently, presence of any blood. • Dishes • Toys • Play gym or T-stand • Misting bottle and/or large crock for birdbath ©2016 Pet Supplies Plus (www.petsuppliesplus.com)