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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!