You GOTTA Love Those Lovebirds!

Internet is wonderful. Many professionals have generously taken time to share their knowledge and experiences. Most of the information is consistent (such as nutritional needs, breeding, hand feeding and abundance weaning). However, there are conflicting reports on lovebird behavior. Based on my own experience, here’s the scoop: A lovebird will bite when protecting its territory - especially if an egg is on the way, he/she is just tired and in need of a nap, is in the middle of a molt and grouchy, or for some reason is frightened. Most of my lovebirds allow cleaning of their cages and even come out to play (a short time) when they are sitting on eggs. During molt, I gently rub the feathers back and forth around their neck. Only one female is determined to bite the hand that feeds her, and I believe it’s because she was mistreated at some time prior to moving in with me. Recently there was a small earth tremor nearby and ALL the birds were a bit testy for the remainder of the day. If you routinely demonstrate affection, meet nutritional guidelines, play with, exercise, and train - (daily, not whenever there is nothing else to do!), in time, you’ll understand the body language and utterances from the bird and the likelihood of getting bitten is practically nonexistent. Any bird, animal OR human will lack good manners if its physical, psychological or nutritional needs are not met!

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Food	Cages	Toys	Treats	Water
I use seeds and pellets both. Kaytee Rainbow and Kaytee Fiesta (I use both small parrot and cockatiel fiesta) Combine 3/4 pellets with 1/4 seeds. FRESH FOOD IN CLEAN BOWL EVERY DAY	All my birds have at least 18x18x24 cages. Some would say 3/4 inch bar spacing is too wide, and if you aren’t around your bird constantly, I agree. Cages/grates/ perches /toys cleaned every morning.	After spending a FORTUNE on toys, I began making my own. I use safe leather, cotton rope, wood blocks with safe colors, pony beads, wooden spoons, and other items GUARANTEED safe. Of course, I purchase booda perches, regular perches, manzinita perches, platforms and swings.	This is a fun topic. I try EVERYTHING as long as it isn’t on the no-no for birds list. Cooked rice or pasta is their favorite, apples, peppers, millet, cheerios, wheat grass, snap peas, beans, corn, I don’t have enough room to list everything!	I only use bottled spring water OR a filter device on my faucet that is working properly. I change water three times daily, sometimes, depending upon how much soup the birds want to make.


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