Aviary Styles for African Lovebirds

Of the nine species of African lovebirds, eight can be kept as pets. Also called "pocket parrots," lovebirds are known for the strong bond they form with their mate. Aviary styles vary, but the minimum space required for a pair of African lovebirds is 36 inches long, 20 inches wide and 20 inches high. The difference between an aviary and a cage is that aviaries are built to offer enough room to house several birds comfortably.

  1. Aviary Shapes

    • Tall-style aviaries take up less floor space and are generally higher than rectangular-shaped, flight-style aviaries. Unlike tall aviaries, flight cages are rectangular shaped to provide birds more space to fly from one side to the other with unrestricted wing space. Round aviaries are generally tall unless they are outside. Stacking aviaries are square and intended for commercial breeders to stack aviaries in a row or one on top of the other.

    Outdoor Aviary

    • African lovebirds thrive on fresh air and natural light. Outdoor aviaries are constructions that can house birds for short or extended periods of time depending on how they are made. Exercise aviaries are intended for short chaperoned stays outside and are not equipped to house birds against the elements. Permanent outdoor aviaries can keep birds protected from the elements year-round. Such types of aviaries are more commonly used by breeders than companion lovebird owners.

    Roof Design and Mobility

    • African lovebird aviaries can come with different roof designs ranging from flat cage top to those that open up for cage-top gyms. Other top designs are dome, peaked and mixtures of any two. Most outdoor aviaries have solid rooftops that provide shade and protect birds against heat, but indoor aviaries also have solid tops and can come with removable seed catching trays. Portable bird aviaries are equipped with wheels for easy mobility and can be either indoor or outdoor.

    Custom Design Aviaries

    • Custom design aviaries are built per the buyer's specifications. African lovebird aviaries must have a bar spacing of not more than 5/8 inch wide. Bar spacing can be vertical or horizontal and should be constructed from nontoxic materials or stainless steel. Custom design aviaries have such options as wooden cabinets around the cage and drawers for storing food and toys. Custom fronts can be constructed from a clear nontoxic plastic, stainless steel or powder-coated colored wire.