Pet Lovebirds – 5 Things to Know About the Lovable Lovebird Parrot
Lovebirds are small parrots that are most often envisioned as peach-faced birds. There are, however, many other colors and mutations available for adoption that are sure to delight any potential owner. Here are 5 things to know and understand about these birds so that you and your bird have a long and happy life together.
Singles or Doubles-Whether you decide to adopt one or two birds depends totally on your lifestyle. If you do not have a lot of time to spend with your bird on a consistent basis, adopting two birds is recommended so that they can provide each other with the necessary companionship and interaction they need to stay healthy. If you decide on two be aware that they will probably bond more closely with each other than with you, and factor in double costs for food, vet bills, cages, and all the other accessories you’ll need. If the additional costs are more than you want to commit to, and your lifestyle does not allow you spend a lot of time with the bird, it is not recommended that you adopt only one.
Let’s Do Lunch-Their diet should consist of high quality pellets to insure they get all the nutrients they need. Supplement this with fresh organic fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds (which are higher in nutrients and lower in fats), cuttlebone for additional calcium, and an unlimited supply of fresh clean water. Provide your bird with special treats that are colorful and varied in texture visually as well as in taste. There are many sources on the web for recipes for homemade treats that ar any bird would call delicious. Be sure to check with your avian vet about giving additional vitamins if your bird is using a pellet diet to avoid vitamin toxicity. Never feed chocolate, caffeine, rhubarb, avocado or alcohol to your Lovebird as they are toxic to birds.
May I Have Your Attention Please? If you have a lot of time and love to give the Lovebird is for you. They need and adore one on one attention, and giving them this attention and affection daily can keep your bird happy, and emotionally healthy. Daily interaction with their main care giver will help avoid potentially dangerous behaviors such as such as feather plucking, mutilation, biting of people and other pets.
Did You Say Quiet? For some these birds can seem noisy; for others the sounds they make are perfectly fine. How noisy is noisy depends on your individual bird, and you and your family’s willingness and ability to tolerate it. If you live where you share walls with neighbors, the bird sounds might create a problem for others as they tend to be noisier at certain times during the day. They are not usually talkers, and seldom learn any words.
Love Is In the Air-Using a high efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier is one of the best ways to keep your bird healthy and to literally put love in the air. Removing airborne pollutants that often carry viruses and bacteria that cause infection and disease is a proactive way to keep you, your bird, and your family healthy.
