Their
exquisite colors and animated personalities easily endear them to onlookers.
While every bird has its own
personality there are traits common to all lovebirds which have made them a popular pet.
And a great choice for a first
time bird owner.
Appearance
Lovebirds have perhaps the most varied colors among the parrot
species. You can find lovebirds in nearly any color imaginable, from soft pastels to
brilliant hues -- blues, yellows, purples, peaches...
Lovebirds are also a
pleasantly sized parrot for most people. They are only 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 inches and about
42-60 grams. Baby lovebirds will not be much smaller than adults.
Life Span
Like other small parrots, lovebirds have a long life span. They
live 15-20 years, approximately the same life span as a cat. It is important to understand
the commitment before purchasing a lovebird.
Activity
Lovebirds are very
energetic and inquisitive. They will happily fly about or sit on your shoulder during
daily activities. They are normally not hyper and can integrate with a family of busy,
noisy children with great enjoyment. Lovebirds love to play and are fun to watch whether
they are playing alone splashing in their water dish or playing with your hair and
sneaking into your collar.
It is your best bet to buy a hand raised lovebird which will be
more tame than a parent raised bird. While lovebirds are quite fearless (and so should be
supervised closely around other pets) they do enjoy playing with people. Gentle and
consistent handling will help prevent nipping.
Lovebirds, like other birds, are born to live among a flock and
so they will challenge authority for the dominant position. Lovebirds sometimes are
headstrong, so the owner needs to be patient and firm. However, lovebirds are not overly
demanding and can learn proper behavior quickly. They are also content to play alone for
periods of time as long as they are given proper space and playthings.
Lovebirds are very intelligent and can even be 'potty' trained to
go on a paper or in a trash can instead of around the house. This can make it much easier
to allow your bird to enjoy freedom outside the cage without the constant clean up.
Vocalizations
While Lovebirds will learn to mimic the sounds around them,
including household noises and other birds, they are not known for mimicking human speech
as well as other parrot species.
Still, your lovebird will have a strong personality all its own,
and it will convey its moods and desires quite clearly.
Before buying your lovebird be sure the owner or breeder can
provide additional assistance in helping you settle your bird at home. As a first-time
owner, you likely will have questions arise and will benefit from a cooperative seller to
help you learn to care for your new, loveable pet.
