If you are planning to adopt a baby lovebird, or if you own one. You might have one question for sure. How much time should I give to my little bingo?
Lovebirds(Agapornis) are one of the most popular categories of aviary birds. About six out of the eight species are available to bird breeders. This immense popularity of these small and compact size birds lead to 250 mutations in the past 20-30 years.
Attention to lovebirds is justifiable due to their immensely energetic and affectionate nature.
A little to no attention may cause loneliness, boredom, and self-destructive behaviors. The average recommended time would be in between 2 to 6 hours daily. It not only keep them happy but also increases their lifespan.
Below are some of the must-know answers to queries related to “how much attention do your lovebird need”.
Do they need a lot of attention?
Lovebirds usually require tons and tons of love and care compared to other species. This is because they are very energetic, affectionate, and love socializing. This becomes more mandatory in the case of a single bird. So you should be very careful in choosing birds if you have a busy life.
They are very demanding of attention and company. They love playing and spending considerable time with their keeper. You must be 100% sure about providing them quality time. In case of prolonged loneliness, they can have behavior issues like plucking feathers, swinging heads in sadness, and biting.
Sometimes we have no choice but to leave the house for the sake of family or job commitments. If this situation happens, then you must have someone to take care of your birds behind your back. If your birds are familiar with that person it would be much better. Always keep an eye on them when uncaged.
IF you have to leave lovebirds alone, make sure to return after 12 hours. It is more problematic when there is no other human or bird interaction available for a single bird. Provide them with a quality living environment and healthy food. Spend time playing, talking and, letting them perch on your shoulder.
How to raise a baby lovebird?
Three types of lovebirds can be raised as pets
- Peach-faced
- Masked
- Fischer’s
Baby birds are quite easy to wean. Lovebirds usually wean when they get 7 weeks of age. Even a beginner can feed a baby bird after taking a lesson from a breeder or shop personnel. This feeding and weaning process leads to strong bonding.
Feeding habit should be, 4 times a day at age 4 weeks and 3 times a day at age 5-6 weeks.
Baby lovebirds love to nestle in shirts pockets, better gather up all large pockets shirts in advance then get baby to home. Baby lovebirds feel comfortable when near you. Keep them in a cardboard box padded with a clean towel when you’re at sleep.
Babies are introduced to the weaning cage to allow freedom and a new experience of home. When they get tired, they return to the box.
At teenage set firm rules regarding chewing and biting. Use nice words, if you want to stop them from certain activities. This calm and loving tone backed up by daily practice produces a sound loveable bird. You will be happy with your choice of lovebird. Though you can’t eradicate the curiosity of lovebirds.
Lovebirds are busy buddies. They love to take showers with lukewarm water. If you have more than one lovebird as a pet, be ready to get offended by their chirping noises.
Do toys help to keep them busy?
Lovebirds are very active and energetic. They awake at dawn and spend time chirping, eating food, playing with toys, and grooming themselves. They are social animals and love playing. You can spend time playing with them. But if you don’t have considerable time then toys can be a very good choice replacing your absence.
Lovebirds enjoy playing with toys, chewing them, and snuggling in and out. Toys are a good option in the case of lovebirds due to their extraordinarily energetic lifestyle. They love to show their acrobatic skills with different toys. It provides an awesome entertaining environment for them. You feel very happy and entertained by their sneaky(in a positive sense) activities.
It becomes difficult to provide regular attention to these mini creatures. They are extremely smart and intelligent. They get bored if ignored. But work commitments and other reasons force us to leave the house. If you’re confused about their health and well being then toys are a good option.
Provide them with a variety of toys and large spaces to make them happy and satisfy their instincts. The cage size must be enough to accommodate all the toys in it. But take some considerations in mind first before implementing this decision.
What type of toys are helpful?
Lovebirds are super active birds and they undoubtedly love toys. They must have at least four to five types of toys to play with them. Lovebirds love noise-making toys, wooden toys, and travel toys.
They also love swings and ladders. So toys should be rotated in their cage weekly. New toys should be added monthly because they get bored with the same toys.
Lovebirds are extremely smart so they benefit from puzzle toys and foraging toys. As far as perches are concerned, they would be of natural wood. Because they sometimes chew on them. They tend to fray and then they can get caught and tangled up in it which is not a good situation to be in at all.
Always keep an eye on them to avoid accidental situations. You can also build toys by individual parts. It not only build bonding with your lovebird but also increases variety in toys. Lovebirds love sound-making toys so a bell may help you bond. Make sure to provide them with non-toxic plastic toys.
When birds are kept outside of their cage, they are more interested to explore new things instead of playing with toys. Make sure your lovebird’s playroom should be free from any open doors or windows. There must be no water containers and hot stoves. Always monitor your lovebird when outside of the cage to ensure safety.
How to entertain a lovebird?
Lovebirds are very social and love interactions. Compared to wild, caged life is difficult to cope with boredom. That’s why it’s our duty to make the maximum possible effort to keep them entertained. Think smartly about a mix of fun activities to keep them busy. It not only helps to fend off boredom but also improves their overall health and well-being.
Hold them daily and take a tour to the full house. This holding and handling give your little friend positive mental satisfaction. It also improves and maintains bonding between you and your lovebird. This activity enables you to fully monitor your lovebird’s mental and physical health issues.
Provide them with a variety of toys and keep on rotating after a couple of weeks. It not only keeps them busy but also helps to cope with stress and boredom. Birds love to play with toys and chew them. Make a checklist of toys to offer your lovebird in a planned schedule. Make sure toys are safe in terms of the potential risk to birds. Hiding food in toys provides your bird with a fun activity.
Teach them different tricks to play with toys. Reward them, when they perform well. Keep on adding new tricks to continue the process. You will enjoy a lot spending time with lovebirds. You’ll be very proud to show friends and family, what a smart pet you own!
Lovebirds naturally love different sounds so radio or television helps them spend time in a cage comfortably. Provide them with plenty of food options to keep their interest. As lovebirds dine on a variety of food options in wild. Same old food can trigger boredom in them.
Should we introduce another lovebird?
The question of whether we opt for two lovebirds or a single one solely depends on your choice. Lovebirds are very social and demand a considerable time. Before making any choice, be sure whether you can meet their social needs or you’ve busy lifestyle.
Usually, lovebirds live in flocks of 10-20 birds. Considering that it’s good to have a pair instead of a single bird. But be careful about choosing another partner for your lovebird. They are sometimes very aggressive and territorial, especially females. It’s mandatory to choose a bonded pair. Those who can spend good time with each other grooming and loving.
Lovebirds love to have company. It doesn’t matter whether it would be of their kind or any other non-aviary pet/animal, like fish in aquariums. Keep them in the living room so don’t feel a sense of loneliness.
It doesn’t mean you can’t own a single lovebird. It depends on your work schedule and family commitments. If you provide them plenty of time then it would be a wonderful experience of having a truly bonded lovebird. It’s up to your devotion of time and attention, otherwise, birds show signs of poor health and unhealthy behaviors.
Do lovebirds get attached?
Lovebirds form strong bonds with their keeper compared to other parrots. If you invest considerable time and attention, they can be good companions. You will enjoy spending a lot spending time with them. Although it’s not that deep as with other lovebirds because a human being can’t replace their mates.
A pair of well-bonded lovebirds understand each other’s needs. They spend time grooming each other. Sometimes they immerse themselves so deeply that they get irritated by human intervention.
If you want to set up a healthy and active relationship with your lovebird then you’ve to invest considerable time each day. The more time you invest, the stronger bonding you’ll have as a result. Then it’s less likely that your lovebird gets bored.
Related Questions
Do lovebirds like to be alone?
Not at all, lovebirds are social creatures. They want plenty of time for loving and playing with them. Although you lovebirds should be resilient enough to deal with a few chunks of loneliness as per their nature, they love company. You’re your lovebird’s flock, it’s your responsibility to be there to provide company and attention.
How do I know if my lovebird is happy?
How to know a lovebird is feeling good in caged life compared to the freedom of the wild? This question might intrigue you but the plain answer is that it depends on living conditions and the owner’s attention. They spend their entire day actively singing, chirping, and playing. In case of loneliness, they show signs of low appetite, lack of interest in routine activities, and strange behavior.
In short, a lovebird’s happiness is directly linked to the level of attention they get from their keeper.
How to handle a lovebird in aggression?
Always approach your lovebird calmly and soothingly. Never yell at your lovebird, no matter how frustrated you are. Assure her safety and feeling of love to neutralize emotions. As lovebirds are very emotional and touchy. Build your trust with patience by practicing for a long time.
How to handle lovebirds when their mate dies?
It is difficult for you to handle your lovebird when he is mourning for his mate. But for recovery, you must be patient. Try to make him happy by providing extra care and attention. Better give him a tour outside. You can’t replace his mate but try to give him a feeling of love and attachment. Encourage him to eat even though he’s not willing to do that.
After trying your best, if you think there is no option then bring him a new mate. Carefully monitor your lovebird and help him in making a bond with a new bird.
Conclusion
Choose lovebird carefully after analyzing your work schedule and other commitments. Once you made a decision then dedicate yourself at least 2 hours a day to caring and petting your lovebird. It’s better if you buy a pair instead of a single lovebird.
Get in touch with us for the latest tips and tricks for handling your lovebirds. Mention your queries in the comment section below.
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