Lovebirds - not for those after a quiet life (Parrots)

Member Name: jglennie

Product:	Parrots
Date:	17/02/02 (725 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap to keep, Fun, Cute

Disadvantages: Noisy, Bite everything

I kept a pair of Lovebirds for 3 years & had much enjoyment out of them. However, the same feeling was not had from my partner and father due to the racket they would make early in the morning. They make a piercing squawking sound which can become irritable.

In saying that, in my opinion, this disadvantage far outweighs the good things about Lovebirds. Here's some info:

1. They are very cheap to keep - you can buy a pre-made bird mix from most pet shops and also treats and supplements. You can add your own fruit, vegetables and nuts to their feeding tray which they will enjoy. My birds loved a bit of salty popcorn too and milk and egg were also favourites.

2. They are VERY cute - and as their name suggests they are very affectionate towards each other and normally sit cuddled up beside each other. Although my male and female often took things a lot further than just a cuddle! Infact at one point it seems as though they 'were at it' 24/7!

3. Mine loved to be let out of their cage in my bedroom to fly about. But be warned that they have VERY strong beaks and love nothing more than to peck into things - so keep all valuables and dangerous items out of reach. You will find that you will be able to teach them to return to your cage when you want them back in. Infact, if you percivere you will be able to teach your lovebirds small tricks and they will eventually become quite tame. Mine had no problem with hopping onto my hand or flying through the air to catch popcorn. They also learned to immitate whistles. At when you attempt to handle them I'd advise wearing sturdy gloves - I aint exagerrating when I say they have VERY strong beaks & until they get used to you they will test your hand out - ouch!

4. Make sure you place their cage in a relatively warm and draughtproof area in the house and at night place a blanket or some sort of cover over their cage - both to keep them warm and also to quiet th
em.

5. Mine loved to use their birdbath but equally enjoyed their cage being placed under the shower and lukewarm water turned on.

6. In the summer they will love to be taken in their cage outside. If you do this remember to keep their cage placed high so no dogs or cats can get to it.

7. Cleaning their cage is relatively painess too - I did this at least once a week. I used old toothbrushes to scrub the base.

Apart from the noise and their tendency to bite into things lovebirds do make really good pets especially if you give them a good bit of your time and they become tame and affectionate towards you.

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