Love Birds

Love Birds are among the smallest and the most affectionate parrot species in the world. These birds get their name from their sweet and kind hearted temperament. They make excellent pets, and are not very expensive. Besides, they are easy to care for and do not require any specific diet. There are nine species of Love Birds, ranging in size from 4 to 7 inches, and they are divided into three groups: the White Eye Ring group, the Intermediate group and the Sexually Dimorphic group.

The White Eye Ring group includes Masked Lovebirds, Fisher’s Lovebirds, Black-Cheeked Lovebirds and Nyasa Lovebirds. The Intermediate group has only one species: the Peach-Face Lovebird. The Sexually Dimorphic group is made up of Black-Winged (Abyssinian) Lovebirds, Grey Headed (Madagascar) Lovebirds, Red-Faced Loveberds and Swindern’s Black-Collared Lovebirds. All Love Birds, except for the Grey-Headed Lovebird, originate in the mainland of Africa.

Most Love Birds that are available on the pet market have been bred in captivity, since wild caught birds do not get used to domestic environment easily. Only captive-bred Love Birds can bond with humans, and they usually appreciate interaction. Although they do not usually talk, they can produce a variety of sounds and can express their emotions in many exquisite ways. Love Birds thrive on pelleted foods, but they also take vegetables and fruits. Birds intended for breeding projects should enjoy lots of greens and grains.

Love Birds are energetic and communicative, and they like it when there is someone around them to play with. They hate boredom, and they do not feel okay in families where people are too busy to care for them. Loneliness or lack of activity can make them extremely noisy, and may spoil a bird’s temperament. It is also very important to pick up a spacious and comfortable cage for your bird. There are lots of cages of various types available on the pet market equipped with toys, swings, ladders, ropes and other facilities for birds to entertain themselves. Contrary to the common myth that they require a company of another Love Bird in the cage, they do well without their own like and prefer to play with humans.

All Love Birds must be kept in cages. As they are very active, lack of control may result in damage to your furniture or other things they can chew on. Electric cords are particularly dangerous to birds, so please, do not permit your Love Bird to chew on wires. A Love Bird must be trained to accept his cage as a home, not a prison. Love Birds are known to be able to figure out how to open cage doors, so cages must be locked safely, especially if you do not spend all of your time at home.