How long do Lovebirds live?

We have been told that lovebirds can live as long as 10 to 19 years depending on their diet and their enviroment.

How to teach your lovebird to talk?

Constant repetition is the only way you can teach them to talk. Say one or two -- three syllables phrases like "Hey Baby" "Good Birdie" "Pretty Bird". Say it with enthusiam and make sure you are talking directly to them. Our birds have heard this from the time they left the nest until they are a least 10 -12 weeks old.

Do Lovebirds need a nesting box?

Lovebirds like to have a nest box which encourages them to start building a nest. Lovebirds like to have nesting materials to build their nest. They require a nest box that is large enough for them to enter safely with out losing their nesting materials. The hen usually puts the material in her tail feathers and carries it into the nest. This can be paper or any commercial nest material.

How long does it take for lovebirds to lay eggs?

The first egg is laid within 10 days after mating. The lovebirds eggs are laid in the nest every other day. The hen usually starts to brood (sit on the eggs)after the second egg is laid. It takes up to 10 days for them to be laid. Most time the eggs are laid at night. The brooding takes 22 to 25 days.

Why do I have ten eggs?

Two female Lovebirds can lay up to 10 infertile eggs. This is a sure way to tell you have two hens.

How many eggs do Lovebirds lay?

If you have a pair of lovebirds, you may have 5 or 6 eggs in the nest. However, in many cases, not all survive, it is just a part of nature.

How can I tell if the eggs are fertile?

You can candle the eggs in about 10 days to make sure they are fertile. This is done very simply by cutting a hole in a piece of cardboard and holding a flashlight and the egg up to the light. If a membrane is seen in the egg then it is fertile. If the egg is clear then it is not fertile. Another good thing is to soak the egg in water one week before it hatches. Do this by placing the eggs in shallow dish of warm water for about 5 seconds. If the egg is not fertile it does not means the birds are infertile, sometimes the pair are not ready (too young or too old) or they could not be in the best physical condition. The female needs to be in the proper cycle for the breeding process. Most lovebirds make good foster parents.

How do you sex a lovebird?

It is very difficult to be 100% sure of the sex of a baby lovebird. There are some techniques you can use. Try feeling the little bones near the pelvis of the bird, the male bones are very close together and the hen bones are farther apart. Hens normally make strips of paper around 7 months old or so.

Feeding is the most misunderstood thing when taking care of your pet bird..

A. Birds do not live by seed alone.

B. Birds love to chew. Offer them some branches, even Rawhide is good for them.

C. Offer new foods one at a time. Always monitor your bird to make sure your bird is eating enough food.

Seeds

A seed diet is not considered a complete diet for any bird. Pet birds are often lacking essential vitamins. Converting seed eating birds to formulated food must be monitored to make sure that the birds are eating. This process takes time and effort on your part.

FORMULATED DIETS

Pellets are available in your pet store. This is a convenient way for you to provide your bird with a balanced diet. These formulated diets are available to meet the special needs of your pet bird.

GRAINS

Common food items are: cooked rice, dry corn, seed mixes, barley and whole grain bread. A mixture of cereals( bran flakes, corn flakes and cheerios) helps young birds to start the pecking process.
We give our young birds popcorn. This is fun for them, as well as us. They will not share a piece of popcorn, which is sometimes overpowering for them to hold on to, and another bird comes along and takes it away and then the fun begins. This is what raising baby lovebirds is all about! Most birds will need to be introduced to new foods many times before they will eat it. Keep trying!!

FRESH VEGETABLES

Dark green and yellow vegetables are high in Vitamin A: such as Beets, Peppers, Broccoli, Carrots, Green beans, Brussels Sprouts. Dandelion greens are very good for your bird but make sure that there is no chemicals on them. Most lovebirds like corn on the cob. Slice up a cob for your bird. They just love to chew on the cob. This is another great activity for your bird.

FRUITS

Fruits should be given to your bird that are high in vitamin A. Cantaloupe, kiwi, pomegranates, strawberries, cranberries are just a few of the fruits your bird will like. Try to introduce them to each fruit slowly. You can also mix up a number of fruits in the food processor like cantaloupe, kiwi, grapes, oranges and apples. Try to blend them not make a juice. This way they can try a number of fruits together.

PROTEIN

A good source of protein is found in cooked beans; kidney, pinto, black-eyed peas, black beans, green split peas and lentils. We soak them over night in water, and microwave them for 15- 20 minutes. Separate into small packages and freeze. Take out what you need. This will save time too. We have tried beans a number of times and my birds are not fussy about them. But I'm still working on them. Eggs should be given to all mature birds at least once a week especially when mating and brooding. Boil the egg and break it up with the shell on it. The egg shell gives them some calcium that they need in their diet. Peanuts and sunflower seeds should be given in small amounts due to the high fat content.

CALCIUM

Calcium can be given in the form of cuttlebone, oyster shell and mineral block. However, not all bird eat these items. You can crushed up a calcium tablets and put in food, or use liquid or powder that maybe purchased at the vets.

FRESH WATER

Fresh water must be provided at all times. It should be change at least twice daily to ensure that no matters are present in the drinking water.

BIRD BEHAVIOR

In our aviary we spent many hours with our birds. We observe them from the time that they are hatched until they are weaned at 14 to 16 weeks old. Because we hand-feed them up to 16 weeks we notice that they are just beginning to develop little traits.

Each birdie has its own little personality. Some are outgoing and love to spent time with you, while others are timid and like to be in their cage. This is when they learn to develop activities that may or may not be acceptable. We spend considerable time training them to do little things that will make them more adorable pets.