Begginers guide to african lovebird.

Before we start with the basic, let us know more about african lovebird.

What is african lovebird?

Lovebirds are social and affectionate small parrot. Their name comes from parrot’s strong monogamous pair bonding long period of spending sitting and grooming each other. They live in a small flocks and eats fruits, vegetables, seeds and grasses. Lovebird is one of the nine species of the genus Agapornis(greek word agape means ‘love’ and ornis ‘bird’. Eight of its nine species are native to african continent, while the grey headed lovebird was native to Madagascar. In all nine species of lovebirds, black – winged lovebird and black – collared lovebirds are difficult to breed in captivity because of its diet. The lifespan of african lovebirds is 10 to 15 years.

Description

Lovebirds are the smallest species of parrot with a length of just 13 to 17cm and weight only 40 to 60 grams, stocky built, short tail and large sharp beak. There are some species of lovebirds including Fischer’s lovebird, masked lovebird and black – cheeked lovebirds had a prominent white ring around its eyes. In the wild, lovebirds are mostly green, but in captivity many different color mutant has develop during selective breeding and its now popular in aviculture.

The original nine species

Peach-faced lovebir or rosy-faced lovebird(Agapornis roseicollis). This species of lovebird is mostly green body, orange face, blue lower back and rump, light brown beak.
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Yellow-collared lovebird or masked lovebird(Agapornis personatus) 14 to 16cm long. Mostly green bird with yellow on its colar, has blue tail feathers and white ring around its eye.

Fischer’s lovebird(Agapornis fischeri) 14 to 16 cm long. Mostly green with orange on upper body, blue lower back and rump and red beak, has white ring around its eyes.

Lillian’s lovebird or Nyasa lovebird(Agapornis lillianae). Small bird about 13cm. Mostly green body ang feather and green rump, orange head, red beak with white eyering.

Black-cheeked lovebird(Agapornis negrinis) Green lovebird with brownish black cheeks and throat, reddish brown forehead and forecrown, red beak, orange upper chest with white eyering.

Black-winged lovebird or Abyssinian lovebird(Agapornis taranta). Mostly green lovebird with red on upper neck and face. Male has more extensive and darker red on face and beak than the female.

Red-headed lovebird or red-faced lovebird(Agapornis Pllarius). Green lovebird with red on upper neck and face. Male has more extensive and darker red on face and has more darker beak than the female.

Black-collared lovebird or Swindern’s lovebird(Agapornis swindernianus). Small lovebird about 13.5cm. Mostly green, brown collar with upper margin at the back of the neck, black beak.

Grey-headed lovebird or Madagascar lovebird(Agapornis Canus). Mostly green with darker green on back pale grey beak. Male has a grey upper body, neck and head.

How to start keeping african lovebird for begginer?

Here are the things you should know about keeping an african love birds. First you should decide what species or mutation of lovebirds you would like to own or keep as pet or hobby.
Below is a chart of african lovebird mutation, its not the latest but atleast you can choose if what species or mutation you like.

Now that you already choose what kind of love bird you want. You can now either search for a love bird breeder or look at a local pet shop near you. But it is better that you buy from a breeder because he/she can share you some tips on how to care for the bird, determine the gender, feeding guide, and many more.

Basic needs of african love bird.

Bird cage or breeding cage – There are many different sizes of cages availabe in the market. The standard size of cage for a pair of african love bird is at least 17 x 30 inches.

Nest box. – You can make a costumized nest box for your bird or buy at pet shop. It must atleast 8 x 10 inches

Perch. – Love bird need to rest. And a wooden perch is advisable for your african love bird for some nature feel. It can be a peice of tree branch.

Feeder. – It can be a ceramic cup or some costumized plastic feeder available at pet shop, you can also add a bigger cup for bathing because love bird loves to bath.

Nesting materials. – For breeders, it can be paper shedding, soft tree branches, (they bite the bark of the tree to make a nest) or wood sheddings.

Seeds. – Safflower sees, canary seed, white millet, red millet, oath growth, jockey oaths etc.

Now that you have completed all the things needed. Now lets talk about where to place your bird cage. The ideal place where you can put your cage is at room temperature with enough sunlight but not direct, with proper ventilation. The cage must be away from pets like dog or cat if have one in your house

Caring for your lovebird will be much easier and exciting once you get along with it.

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