JEM Aviary

A hand-raised lovebird makes an outstanding and affectionate pet. These tiny parrots pack a full-size parrot personality into a much smaller package. Their small size makes them very easy to keep happy and active. Lovebirds are also very hardy; resistant to many of the diseases that threaten cockatiels or larger parrots. Their cheerful demeanor and gorgeous coloring making them welcome in any home that can put up with occasional loud chirping sessions! Breeding lovebirds is also a wonderful hobby, and hand-raising the youngsters can turn into a rewarding past time.

Most experts feel that the peach faced varieties and their many mutations make the best pets if a hand-raised baby is what you want. Other lovebird species are better known for their beauty than their enduring tameness.  My only strong caution is that a hand fed lovie is only as tame as the last time you handled it.  I have found that I can hand feed a lovie and literally have it eating out of the palm of my hand, but then in their new home things change.  The reason is that the bird gets handled infrequently.  Please keep in mind that handling your bird daily is the best way to keep it socialized.  There are two schools of thought on what a lovebird should eat.  One is pellets and the other is high quality seeds and fresh foods.  Right now I am on the camp of seed and fresh food, but this was not always true.  When I worked full time and could not dote on my birds quite so much I fed them pellets since it is believed that it is a balanced meal.  Now I am of the belief that the more natural a bird eats the healthier they are.  Since I live in California I have tons of fruits and veggies growing at my house (this was not true in Chicago) so I know it is pesticide free.   My clients that do not have this luxury afforded to them I would encourage them either to buy organic or go with the pellet diet (just be forewarned that I had a lovebird that would only eat certain colored pellets and that became an expensive diet).  I also cook a bit for my lovies, but it is really simple.  I will include the recipe in my additional items tab.  I freeze the bird food and have it for a while so that I don't have to cook, but every so often.  Fresh greens, fruits, and vegetables should be offered daily to all lovebirds, whether on seed or pellets. Pellet- eating birds tend to take these foods readily, especially when chopped and mixed with their pellets. Change any moistened foods frequently to prevent spoilage. Fresh corn on the cob is a particular favorite of most lovebirds.  Corn should be given as a treat since to me it seems to be more of a filler than be loaded with nutrients.

Housing:  How many lovebirds should you purchase? That is completely dependant on whether you have the time to keep a lovebird entertained and feeling like part of the family (lots of time spent outside of the cage). A hand-raised baby that gets lots of attention can easily be kept alone. However, many owners enjoy seeing two lovebirds together and may wish to breed them. In such a case, a second lovebird can be purchased at a later date. Sexing the two birds will always be a problem however – males and females look alike.  I will sex them for you at your request.

Keep a new lovebird in a separate room from any other existing birds in the household for at least 30 days. New birds need a safe, clean cage in a quiet location.  When purchasing a cage make sure the cage is in the very least 2'x2', but the larger the better.  The bars of the cage should be no more than 1/2 to 5/8 inch apart.  The bird must not be able to get its head between the bars. For a young bird in a new cage, you may wish to place food on the floor (away from overhead perches) until the bird has found the new food cups. Water can also be offered in more than one location until the bird is oriented. Never use any kind of particulate bedding (such as corncob bedding) on the floor for a lovebird, especially a hand-raised lovebird. You may wish to remove any grills or wire floors from the cage, as lovebirds tend to get stuck in them. Use perches of several different diameters to exercise the feet properly. Most veterinarians recommend fresh, natural branches as part of the cage furniture. Your lovebird will enjoy perching on these and peeling the bark from species such as apple, alder, beech, maple, eucalyptus, citrus and many others. If you do decide to use tree branches they need to be sterilized before hand and you need to make an informed decision as to what type of wood is safe for them to chew on.  Please visit my toxic/non toxic tab for more information on acceptable tree branches.   Toys are highly recommended for such intelligent birds as lovebirds. Those with mirrors, open bells and chewable items such as rawhide and plaster are particularly valuable for lovebirds. My lovebird Mel uses his bell to ring for me to come get him...yes my bids are the masters of the house.   Always allow your bird(s) out once daily; check the "flight room" for safety first. Kitchens are not recommended as they contain many hazards such as hot pans, non-stick bake ware fumes, and oil or grease. Make sure other family pets are kept separate.

General Care:   Many owners trim their lovebird's wings in the summer months when the pet is more likely to escape through an open window or door. Trimming wings is an easy process, but I would recommend that you learn from someone that has experience with clipping wings, because if clipped the wrong way a bird will bleed.  Trimming wings should never be too stressful for the bird.  It is quick, easy and should be painless.  Don't forget that although your lovies wings are clipped you run a risk of loosing your bird if you go outside with them.   Even my tamest lovie I do not take outside without first doing a complete wing inspection.  Their feathers grow faster than you realize at times and it would be heartbreaking to loose you baby that way.

Don't forget to give your lovebird the opportunity to bathe several times weekly. A gentle mist from a plant mister is ideal. Many lovebirds also enjoy playing in a dish of clean water or under a dripping tap. Fresh air and sunshine is always recommended.   Make sure that if you place them outdoors in their cage that your bird has some shade and a secure location where another animal will not get too close to the cage.