Q&A for How to Care for a Lovebird

They sometimes feel hungry during the night and might wake up to eat. It is usually best for them to have a feeder so they can eat whenever they are hungry.

Cover the cage so they feel safe enough to sleep.

No, but if you're not going to be home a lot, it's the compassionate thing to do to have a companion for your bird.

Lovebirds typically live between 10 and 15 years. They can live longer if you take really good care of them.

Yes. There are two ways to do this. One: Place a small-medium bird bath inside the cage. If the cage is too small, place a bowl of water inside. The lovebird can drink from it and bathe in it. Two: If your lovebird has its wings clipped, there is a way to bathe it in warm soapy water. But be careful because you don't want it going into its eyes. If you are still unsure, ask your local vet!

Lovebirds are at their best when kept in natural environments. Though sunshine doesn't matter a lot for their physiological health, usually lovebirds ought to be kept in moderate sunlight with moderate heat. It depends principally on their health and the amount of sunlight they need. If they're healthy and fine, it's best to keep them under optimised (i.e., not too high) with sunshine during the day. In winters, keep them in sunlight whenever it shines out; or else, their physiological functioning may start degrading due to lack of natural sunshine and light.

I allow my lovebird a shower or bath 2-3 times a week. Don't make the water too warm because lovebirds have much more sensitive skin than humans. Don't use a blow dryer, gently dry them with a towel or allow them to groom themselves on a perch.

It's not better, it's a different experience. If you have two lovebirds, they will bond to each other and not as much to you (the owner). But if you have only one, it will form a stronger bond with you and this means it's easier to teach the bird tricks and for it to sit on your shoulder. Lovebirds do not require a mate but it's your choice.

If you're not going on vacation and are moving to a new place, it will be okay. Travel with birds has some requirements. They have to have a travel cage. Food and water usually bounce out in a vehicle, so you will have to stop frequently to give them water and food. You'll also have to stop every 2 to 3 hours so they have time to eat and drink. Also, you have to bring water from home because birds get digestive upsets drinking different water. If you are going on vacation (to another country) you cannot travel with them. You will need to look into a temporary carer or avian vet.

Have a vet check up every once in a while and if there are any loose or dangling feathers, pull them off. Wings need to be trimmed every once in a while so have a vet do that if you really want the best option.

Yes. It's to help prevent illness.

Let them meet first by placing the cages next to each other and watch their reactions. If they seem comfortable with each other, slowly introduce them. Start with 30 mins together, then an hour, then two, etc., until you have them living together permanently.

Yes, loneliness can affect the lovebird's mental and physical health if there is no companion.

It might want to go outside. Pay attention to your bird very closely. If you are worried, go to a vet to ask for further help.

No. Keeping any bird in a box is dangerous. Birds must be exposed to air at all times and should be able to climb for physical activity. Younger birds also can't fly yet, and they climb bars to reach perches. Sun is also important to the bird's health. You shouldn't adopt a bird if you can't afford to give it proper care. Wait until you've saved enough money.

Lovebirds are usually better off with another bird in the same cage. Although lovebirds can live by themselves, it's recommended that they have a companion because of their quality of being social birds. If you plan on getting two of them, make sure you get the right cage size.

It could just be molting depending on how many feathers it is losing, but if it is either plucking its own feathers out or has lost so many feathers you can see a lot of its skin, you definitely should take your bird to a vet. Your bird could be experiencing a serious illness or a mental illness (which is possible in birds).

Your bird's eye could have an injury or a disorder. You should take your bird to the vet to find out what's wrong.

It depends what stage you are at with taming. In the first few days, leave the bird in its cage and just let it have time to settle down and watch you. If it is already tamed, you just need to spend ample time with it and give it closeness with you. Foods and treats often help not only in taming your bird, but in getting your bird to trust you. It's really about you and the bird spending enough time together and making sure the bird becomes comfortable perching on you.

This is a pretty long process. At the least 45 days, at the max 65 days. If the bird hatches before 45 days you should consult a vet, and after 65 days also consult a vet.

Preferably another rosy-faced lovebird. But I think that any other lovebird would also work. Just keep an eye on them at first and make sure that they don't fight each other.

Avocado, alcohol, caffeine, fruit seeds and pits, the flesh around the pit and seed, and chocolate.

No, unless your home gets very hot.

Yes. There isn't a huge size difference between a parakeet and a lovebird, so that should be fine.

Try to make it look interesting or make it seem as if he/she can't have it, that will make your bird want it more, because when a bird sees that you are trying to keep it away then he/she will think that it is interesting and will try to get it from you.

Since lovebirds have a tendency to chew, it is recommended that you don't use a wooden cage.

Your lovebird could be biting you to get your attention. You might also be doing something that is making them feel uneasy. Before you can stop your lovebird from biting you, you have to figure out why it's biting in the first place.

Male lovebirds have violet on the upper part of the beak, females have white.

Lovebirds tend to be quite easily bored. Perhaps distract him with more toys.

You should go to a vet, preferably one that specializes in birds, so they can diagnose and treat the issue if necessary.