Lovebirds The Madagascar Lovebird Besides my own experience, I '" V Te welcome a new column to spoke at length with Barbara Broske Wthe "Watchbird" magazine. It of Florida, Ben Cooper of California is on a very popularparrot group ­ and Mark Roberts of Georgia. All have lovebirds. This new column will be been successful in breeding Mada­ written by Rick Smith, a very know­ gascars. I thank them for their con­ ledgeable aviculturist who has spe­ tribution. cialized in the lovebird group. Rick The Madagascar is one of the has had lovebirds for 26 years. His smaller lovebirds and inhabits the very first lovebird was a Peach-faced island ofMalagasy Republic and a few Lovebird that lived with him for 16 The Rare surrounding islands. They are a more years and accompanied Rick through primitive species, as are most of the his college years. Lovebirds... fauna ofMadagascar. Rick has kept all eight ofnine love­ Madagascars have been imported species kept in captivity. He has frequently but have proven extremely reproduced seven ofthese species and A Future Focus difficult to establish on a long-term is looking forward to breeding the basis. The are prone to air-sac eighth (Red-faced Lovebird). Although mites and a dealer told me that many he has always had an interest in all of by Rick Smith Lakeview Terrace, California were lost until the problem was identi­ the lovebird species, Rick has concen­ fied and treated. Newly imported trated on the rarer species and has dil­ birds are also sensitive to temperature igently encouraged all breeders of extremes. these rare species to exchange their ~re are nine species in the genus knowledge and to make sure all sin­ l~~apornis, six of which are cate­ Housing gles are placed into a breeding situa­ gorized as the "rares." They are Mada­ I have maintained Madagascars in tion. The need is great as the total cap­ gascar A. cana, Abyssinian A. tar­ both cages and aviaries, and they have tive numbers of many rare lovebird anta, Nyasa A. lilinae, Black-cheeked bred in both locations. However, in an species are rapidly declining. A. nigrigensis, Red-faced A. pullaria aviary this bird is wild and nervous Rick is always trying to find better andBlack-collaredA. swinderniana. and virtually unapproachable. ways to reproduce the difficult species. The Black-collared is unknown in Barbara Broske breeds in cages two For instance, he has created a special­ American aviculture. The remaining feet square. She said she has offered ized Red:faced Lovebird nest box in five species are infrequently kept and larger three foot square cages but which the nest itselfis lined with cork considered more difficult to breed and does not feel they work as well. andfilled with driedpeat. The unique maintain than the Peach-faced, Broske said, "It takes at least a year feature of this nest is the 2-1/2" D Masked or Fisher's Lovebirds. For this before they trust you." extended PVC entrance which is filled reason, it has become of paramount Ben Cooper started with cages two with rolled cork. This is done to importance that experienced breeders feet square; however, changed to 14 encourage the courtship and breeding specialiZing in these birds work inches square and the birds seemed ofthis species by alloWing the birds to together to maintain genetic diversity. steadier. chew through this soft material and The quantities of some of these birds I bred them twice in planted flights create their own nest. in aviculture is alarmingly low and 4' wide x 12' long x 7' high, as well as Rick Smith is the western director of failure to outcross to new bloodlines in 24 inch cages. I do not find these the African Lovebird Society which can eventually lead to the bird's disap­ birds to be steady in an aviary. They has promoted the enjoyment and pearance from our aviaries. are shy and elusive, although from a breeding oflovebirdsfor manyyears. In this upcoming series of articles, I distance their courtship is fascinating Although Rick is known for his love­ have attempted to gather information to watch. The females are dominant bird expertise, he enjoys manyparrot from experts on each of the respective and solicit the males for breeding. species and is now concentrating his species. I have been fortunate enough Males have been killed by aggressive efforts on another beautiful to breed all the rares except the Red­ females. I lost several many years ago group, the Fig . faced (although I'm still trying) and in this way. My first hen acquired from Rick's column has been titled "Love­ the Black-collared. In researching the San Diego Zoo proved very selec­ birds in Aviculture" and will be writ­ these articles, I was amazed how the tive in her choice of mates. There is a ten on the many avicultural aspects of methods used in attaining breeding weird irony here. In captivity, there both the common and rare lovebird success had some similarities, but also seems to be more females lost than species. His first on the Madagascar a great deal of variance. Understand, males and in the nest there are usually Lovebird can befound in this issue. there is no right or wrong; success is more males born. Probably in the wild success! I will try not to editorialize these extra males are necessary Dale R. Thompson and allow you to draw your own because the females are so vicious Editor-in-Chief conclusions. and some males may be killed by 24 July / August 1994 A variety of nestboxes have been offered and used in breeding. Broske uses regular lovebird boxes with pieces of wood in the bottom and cut palm fronds inserted in predrilled holes in the box. Cooper is currently using an L-shaped box. I prefer the diagonally hung hexagon-shaped box (used by Dr. Baer), however I have used English Budgie boxes with suc­ cess. I offer a mix of shavings and sphagnum moss in the box (some of which the birds throw out) and fronds from the Fan Palm. Cooper states not to use Eucalyptus. My birds resent inspection and the hens make a "growling" noise inside the box when approached. Many years ago, my first pair abandoned their young because of my inspection, however they were kept in a large aviary and were quite wild. Broske inspects regularly and removes babies for banding. Cooper has about 100 The sexually din10Jphic Madagascar Lovebird is one o/the sJnaller species. As an adult) the Madagascar , the only lovebir'd in his 1nafe acquires a grayish-tuhite head and breast. collection. He notes that he bred suc­ cessfully for years, then the birds just hens. As mentioned, in captivity it is They need to be the focus of breeders quit. He ren10ved them, gave them aln10st always the fen1ale that dies first dedicated to a 10ng-tefIn cooperative new L-shaped boxes and they started and there is usually a surplus of males. program. again with one hen raising her first

Breeding Mark Robetts of Covington, Georgia wrote me with his experience in colony breeding: "It was not until I allowed the birds to select their own mates that they started to breed freely for me. This can only be done with young birds that have never mated or formed pair bonds. They should be marked so that they can be easily separated and caged. This should be done rather quickly, because there is always the possibility of fighting.' I usually put six birds (three males, three hens) in a cage the size described with four nest­ boxes, and separate then1 when they have chosen nestboxes. Many breed­ ers would ay this is risky, but it has worked well for me; in fact, two years ago three pairs quickly selected boxes, mated, and raised a total of 13 • ...------~ TO ORDER: babies in a cage that was only 60 cen­ 1. Enclose an original VOIDED check from your current check supply. timeters square." Indicate any changes clearly on voided check. 2. Enclose a sample deposit slip from your existing checks. Birds were raised in colonies at the • l-Fo-'q-u-esfi-o-ns-c-on-ce-m-ing-fi-ou-,-om-e-r.••-.------' 3. We need your daytime phone ('----_L) _ San Diego Zoo years ago, however, I 1-800-356-0353 *Number my checks starting with #. _ remember seeing a disproportionate (If astart number is not specified checks will start at #101) TOTAL Send check or MIO to: BIRD LOVERCHECKS number of hens. The STYLES COMPANY Single Checks: Carbonless Duplication: .7~$~ add $2.00 The Madagascar has been bred, not 15916 MANUFACTURE LANE eUJ e~ add $2.00 o 200 - $13.95 0150 -$.15.95 . Priority mail service add $3.50 infrequently, even by novices; how­ HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92649 o 400 - $25.95 0300 - $28.95 calif. add 7.75 %tax We also accept VISA &MasterCard... o 800 - $42.95 0600 - $49.95 25 Shipping &Handling $1 .50 ever, seldom have they been sus­ It.- Exp.----L- Z00342 TOTAL tained into successive generations.

afa \X'ATCHBIRD 2S clutch at six months old. Broske says her captive-raised birds start breeding Breeding the at about seven months of age. Incuba­ tion is around 21 days and young fledge at seven to eight weeks, Tui Parakeet becoming independent two to three ( sanctithomae sanctithomae) weeks later. by Robbie Harris Diet La Habra, California Ben Cooper feeds keet and finch mixture supplemented with one table­ The Tui Parakeet (Brotogeris sancti­ deep. For perches I prefer to use natu­ spoon ofsoaked (not sprouted) millet. thomae sanctithomae) is part of the ral tree branches. The branches used He also feeds CD mix (insectile). Brotogeris family. The Tui is a "cou­ are from my own orchard of over 50 Barbara Broske feeds keet and sin" to the ever popular Grey-cheeked various fruiting trees grown on my cockatiel mix as well as Vita-Finch Parakeet, as both are in the Brotogeris property. I do not use insecticide so I and Vita-Canary. She supplements "a genus. The Tui is a small bird of seven can assume they are safe. The wood­ lot of green," however, states many of inches in length, and built on the more en nest boxes used measured 11" x the dark greens are "~trong" and the slender side compared to its cousin. A 10" X 7" wide, having a round 2" birds won't eat them. She also feeds nice different feature from the Grey­ diameter hole; these were offered to sweet potato and high grade wheat cheek is that the Tui Parakeets do not each pair. The nest boxes were lined bread put through a food processor. have a harsh loud voice. They have a in a dark cork, which was adhered to She says imported birds are finicky voice like most Brotogeris, but just do the inside with a non-toxic glue. To and are hard to feed supplements, not seem to use it as often. I would the bottom of the nest box three however, the second generation are consider them quiet compared to the inches ofpine shavings were added to better feeders. She prefers Romaine, Grey-cheek. use as a base. Photos and more details broccoli and carrot. The Tui is mainly shades of a bright on nest box lining is described in my I concur with Broske on the diffi­ green, with the breast, abdomen, book "Grey-cheeked Parakeets and culty of establishing supplemental under the wings and tail, lower back Other Brotogeris," T.F.H. food as a part of their diet. Mine prefer and tail coverts more of a yellowish All my birds that are set up in breed­ small seeds, including niger and I feed green. The wing flights are bluish ing cages are in a large wire enclo­ extra straight canary seed, and also green, with the blue a bit brighter on sure. This wire building houses many spray millet. Fruit is seldom accepted, the primary coverts. The most notice­ pairs ofbirds which do not seem to be however some greens and vegetables able differences of the Tui Parakeets bothered by their close neighbors of are. compared to other Brotogeris para­ different species. A few pairs of birds In Aviculture keets are the chestnut-colored beak set up right next to the Tui Parakeets The Madagascar Lovebird was one and glowing golden colored iris. The are Painted Conures, Pearly Conures, of the first lovebirds imported and, in head is the most striking feature ofthis Peach-fronted Conures, Dusky Con­ the past, reached Europe in the thou­ little bird. Those golden eyes are ures, Blue-crowned Conures, Senegal sands. Yet they still remain rare and really set off with the bright yellow Parrots and Tovi Parakeets. The diet I are very difficult to establish. The late forehead. To many people, the Tui provided for the Tui Parakeets is very David West tolq me they will even die Parakeet appears to be in color a mini similar to the diet I offer to most of my other parrots. This diet in detail can be of fright in the net, and they should be version of the Yellow-crowned Ama­ found in either of my books, "Breed­ moved in their nestboxes whenever zon (Amazona ochrocephala). The ing Conures," T.F.H. or "Grey­ possible. Tui Parakeet inhabits areas over east­ cheeked Parakeets and Other Broto­ The two excellent breeders ern Amazonas, Brazil, westward geris," T.F.H. The Tui Parakeets have acknowledged in this article are to be through southeastern and available to them at all times a variety commended for their.ongoing dedica­ northeastern to eastern of dry seeds including medium size tion to this species. There are few of and northern . gray sunflower seed, safflower seed the Madagascars left in the country, Over 10 years ago, I was fortunate and a parakeet mix containing 42% and members of the African Love Bird enough to purchase a few of these canary seed. Along with the dry seeds Society need to give immediate beautiful birds. Once the birds were the birds are given a daily bowl of attention to ensure their survival and surgically sexed, I ended up with two fresh cut up fruits, vegetables, continued breeding to successive pairs to work with, in high hopes of sprouted seeds and greens. Corn on generations.• producing more of these beautiful the cob and apple are their favorite birds. It took years to finally get a pair foods which are always the first to be to settle in and produce successfully. eaten. The Wright Roost ., The two pairs were set up outdoors At the end of May 1992, I found an Jeri Wright egg buried in one of the nest boxes of (206) 838·9802 in wire cages, no added heat or cool­ NCNI HAND-FEEDING ing, for the weather here rarely drops Tui Parakeets. This egg was removed, Hyacinths & othermacaws, Cockatoos below 40°F. Each pair was set up in an the shell was slightly porous, but even Conures & Amazons Domestic, Close-Banded individual breeding cage. The cages though it appeared no good I still Roudybush Distributor measured 48" wide, 17" tall and 15" placed it in my incubator. This egg

26 July / August 1994