Tips on Caring for Love Birds

Lively aviary pets with plenty of personality, lovebirds are members of the parrot family and come in several different varieties. They usually don't mimic human speech, but they can be quite loud with their own brand of chattering. While they do require some basic care, they make good pets for first-time as well as experienced bird owners. You can enjoy the company of a lovebird if you are willing to provide some basic resources and a little of your time and energy toward nurturing these attractive animals.

  1. Making a Selection

    • These social creatures enjoy interaction either with another bird or with a human owner. If you have a lot of time to devote to playing with your bird, you may want to get a single lovebird rather than a pair. Paired lovebirds don't pay as much attention to their human families. If you don't have as much time to give your bird, choose a pair of lovebirds. Often it's better to choose two birds that have been raised together and paired by a pet store, because introducing two new birds can sometimes result in hostile interaction.

    Housing

    • Provide your lovebirds with a medium-sized cage (about 2 feet tall by 2 feet wide). If you have two birds, for example, they need plenty of room to play, but they also need the security of a cage that doesn't completely engulf them. Provide plenty of bird toys for them to play with and perch on, as they are active and playful. Also make sure they have a nest box or some similar cozy, dark area to rest in. Use shredded newspaper or prepackaged bird litter for the bottom of the cage. Make sure you clean the cage as needed.

    Feeding

    • Lovebirds benefit from several different types of foods. Pellets designed for lovebirds provide a nutritional boost. Lovebirds also enjoy using their beaks to crack open seeds. Vegetables, nuts, fruits and grains are some other appropriate dietary additions. Be sure to keep a readily available, clean water supply for your birds as well.