How to Take Care of a Lovebird: Is It the Bird for You?

Attractive and loving, lovebirds make great pets. You'll never be bored around these creatures, with their chirping skills and their wonderfully bubbly personality. These pets are preferred over many others because of their small size and easy maintenance. They also tend to be healthier than other birds. Here's how to care for them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Habitat

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1
Purchase a cage. It should be at least twenty-four to thirty inches wide with two or more perches. The perches should to be small enough to hold the bird's feet.
- Prepare at least three perches of different widths.
2
Include plenty of toys, for enrichment. Switch the toys every three or four days (use them in a rotation).^{[1]
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- Ladders and swings are favorites as well as bamboo rings.
- Always make sure that any toys you add are especially made for birds, as many things are toxic to birds. Take note that lovebirds love to chew!
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Keep the cage clean at all times. Clean it at least once a week. Change the water daily.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Feeding

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Feed your lovebird. A recommended food is a seed mix that states it is "recommended for lovebirds".^{[2]
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Give nutritious foods. To stay healthy, for every meal, a lovebird needs something nutritional. Give it fresh food treats three to four times a week. Lovebirds enjoy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, banana, papaya and melons. Wholegrain breads are okay, but avoid anything containing high levels of fat, salt and sugar.^{[3]
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- Always get rid of any uneaten food from the cage, within 12 hours.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Health

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Lovebirds should have checkups at the vet once a year. Follow the vet's advice on any health issues.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Should You Get a Lovebird?

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Ask yourself these questions before getting a lovebird:^{[4]
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- Do I have a safe space to keep this lovebird?
- Do I understand that I am able to provide a home for him at all times? Lovebirds can live for 10 to 20 years.
- Am I financially able to provide for this bird? Fortunately, lovebirds have modest related costs but you will still need to budget for the additional requirements, such as housing and seed.
- Do I have enough time to focus on playing, singing, and talking to this bird?
- Will the noise of this lovebird be bothersome to my family or neighbors? Most families adjust with ease to having a lovebird around. They are not difficult to live with.
- Who will take care of this bird while it lives in our household?
Find a reliable breeder or pet store. Check the health guarantee when you purchase your lovebird, in case an illness occurs.

Community Q&A

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Question

Do you feed them at night time or every three hours?

Community Answer

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.

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How do I get the lovebirds to fall asleep?

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Cover the cage so they feel safe enough to sleep.

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Is it necessary to have two?

Community Answer

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.

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Tips

When the lovebird falls sick, take it to the vet immediately.

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When the lovebird is scared or stressed, try to figure out what is stressing it. Remove the source of stress (including people). It could be a hat, a certain colour, a pattern on a shirt, an odd object - the possibilities are endless.

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Always keep additional, new lovebirds in a separate cage until you are sure that they get along. Otherwise, you will have a lot of blood on your hands (literally).

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Potty training lovebirds while young is very doable with consistency. Remember they go often, so always be prepared with cage lining — maybe a cute "no poop on mama" reminder!
Lovebirds are highly social, so pairs do far better than singles for mood and wellness. Loss of a companion can negatively impact them. Give yours bonded friends.
Normal lovebird behaviors like fluffing up show emotion warnings, not always illness. Understand their body language to know when they simply need gentle space.
Gradual diet changes allow picky lovebirds to adjust. Switching food constantly risks poor nutrition if they reject new mixes. Find one good primary brand.
Add enriching cage elements — perches, toys, swings, hiding huts. Rotate new items to prevent boredom. A mentally stimulated lovebird is a happy one!
Choose a safe, enclosed space for lovebird playtime, like a living room with covered windows and hazards removed. This prevents injuries and escapes.

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Warnings

Lovebirds are very small so make sure you know where they are if they are on the floor or couch watch where you walk or sit also lovebirds on the floor become toe biters.

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Make sure you do not use Teflon pans in the house. Teflon fumes kill lovebirds.

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Lovebirds 'love' to bite. Careful!

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