Lovebirds

The Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern Africa — primarily Namibia, southwestern Angola and the northwestern corner of South Africa — where it inhabits dry savanna, mountain scrub, rocky river gorges and farmland near water sources. They are gregarious birds that live in small flocks of 5–20 birds, roosting communally in cliff faces and tree hollows.

The name 'lovebird' is derived from the characteristic behaviour of bonded pairs — they spend long periods in close physical contact, mutually preening and sitting pressed together, and show signs of genuine distress when separated from their partner. This strong pair bonding is one of their most appealing characteristics and has made them popular as a companion bird kept in pairs.

Lovebirds are exotic (non-native) birds in Australia and no keeper licence is required. They are widely available from specialist breeders and are kept in large numbers in Australian aviculture. As a group, Agapornis parrots are among the most popular and extensively bred small parrots in the world.

Lovebirds are active, acrobatic birds that use every part of their cage and require enough space for genuine movement and play. A minimum cage size for a pair is 60cm W x 40cm D x 60cm H, with bar spacing of approximately 1–1.5 cm. Lovebirds are enthusiastic chewers and the cage should be constructed of appropriately robust material — they will work on any surface they can reach with their beaks.

For pairs or small groups, an aviary of at least 1.8m L x 0.9m W x 1.8m H is ideal and allows the flight exercise and natural territory that supports both health and breeding behaviour. Lovebirds should not be housed with larger, more dominant species. They can be territorial around their own cage and aggressive toward other small species.

Provide multiple perches of varying diameter and material — natural timber perches from native species are excellent for beak exercise. Include a play top or gym for hand-raised birds. Lovebirds enjoy enclosed sleeping spaces and a small woven nest or sleeping hut in the cage is appreciated. Provide a shallow bathing dish several times a week — lovebirds bathe enthusiastically and this is important for feather condition. Cover at night with a breathable cover.

Lovebirds should be fed a quality peachface or small parrot seed mix containing a variety of seeds such as French white millet, plain canary, hulled oats, pannicum, Japanese millet, safflower and a limited amount of sunflower. A good quality small parrot crumble or pellet supplement provides the vitamins and minerals that seed alone cannot supply.

Supplement daily with fresh fruit and vegetables including apple (seeds removed), pear, mango, capsicum, corn, peas, broccoli, carrot and leafy greens. Never feed avocado, apple seeds, chocolate, caffeine, onion, garlic or processed human foods. Remove fresh food within two to three hours.

Bird grit in small amounts assists digestion. Cuttlebone and iodine bells should always be available for calcium and iodine. Vitamin supplements such as a quality bird vitamin supplement can be added to water two to three times per week. Fresh water must be changed daily. Worming every three months with a broad-spectrum bird wormer.

Single hand-raised lovebirds can be genuinely affectionate and enjoy interaction with their owner. They can be tamed to step up and enjoy handling with consistent daily interaction from a young age. Use positive reinforcement with small food rewards — millet spray is effective. Handle daily to maintain tameness. Be aware that lovebirds can be nippy, particularly during hormonal periods — their beak is small but forceful for their size.

Pairs bond intensely with each other and are better appreciated in a more hands-off, observational relationship. Introducing a companion to an existing tame bird will generally reduce the bird's interest in human interaction — this is a normal and expected outcome. Never house lovebirds with significantly smaller birds or with larger parrots that may injure them.

Lovebirds are active and benefit from a varied, stimulating environment. Provide a minimum of six rotating toys — chew toys, foraging toys, foot toys, swings, bells and foraging boxes — rotated every few days to maintain novelty. Native branches of varying species provide chewing and climbing interest. Lovebirds will enthusiastically incorporate strips of paper, palm frond or soft bark into nest constructions — this is natural behaviour and providing safe nesting material satisfies a strong instinctive drive.

A shallow bathing dish or gentle misting several times a week is greatly enjoyed and supports feather condition. Foraging enrichment — hiding food in foraging toys, wrapping treats in paper, or threading food onto skewers — encourages problem-solving and physical activity. Supervised out-of-cage time on a play gym or in a bird-safe room provides important daily exercise for hand-raised singles.

Psittacosis (Chlamydiosis): Annual vet checks and good hygiene are preventative.

PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease): Source from reputable, tested breeders.

Feather Destructive Behaviour: Can develop with boredom or insufficient enrichment, particularly in single birds kept without adequate interaction.

Respiratory infections: Often linked to vitamin A deficiency; a pellet-supplemented diet reduces risk.

Goitre (iodine deficiency): Can occur in birds without access to iodine bells or vitamin supplementation; provide an iodine bell at all times.

Bacterial infections: Can occur under poor hygiene conditions or when the bird is immunocompromised.

Egg binding: Common in breeding females; calcium supplementation and correct husbandry reduce risk.