Understand that unlike other animals, lovebirds mate for life and can continue mating throughout their almost 15 year life cycle. [5] X Research source Monogamy underpins the social structure of lovebirds and is vital to the stability of flocks. [6] X Research source Be aware that if a mate dies, its companion can exhibit erratic behavior that is like a form of depression. Lovebirds do not like to be alone. [7] X Research source Enjoy the fact that lovebirds are romantic with one another and may feed each other to re-establish their bonds after stress or separation. [8] X Research source
Get your lovebirds a cage of no less than 18x18x12 inches with the bars spaced no more than 3/4" inch apart. Try and purchase a square or rectangular cage so they have places to hide. [10] X Research source Place different sized perches in the cage along with toys to keep the lovebirds happy and stimulated. [11] X Research source Avoid wooden Put separate water and food dishes in the cage away from the bottom. [12] X Research source Clean the cage and dishes daily to keep your lovebirds healthy. [13] X Research source Disinfect the cage once a week. [14] X Research source
Check that the lovebirds you want to mate are not related. [16] X Research source This may require a DNA test. Make sure the birds have not mated for more than 2 clutches, which can cause them serious illness. [17] X Research source Avoid mixing breeds, which results in hybrid birds that don’t belong to any species of lovebirds. [18] X Research source Male and female lovebirds often look the same, so you may need to take your birds to a veterinarian to determine the sex. Contact groups such as the African Love Bird Society for places to get birds of the same species as yours. [19] X Research source
Rounded body shape Good ability to stand and walk Broad rump and back Rounded and full breast Sharp and compact tail Large, wide, and rounded head Wide and appealing face Large, round, and bold eyes Even, deep and clear plumage, or feathers Immaculate feather condition Clean, large, and strong feet with straight toes and no scars Clean and large bill, or beak, free of scars.
Let your vet know that you plan to breed the lovebirds. Ask her any questions you might have about the birds, their health, or breeding the pair.
If you are breeding lovebirds you already own, you likely don’t need to quarantine the pair
Place the birds in cages next to one another before putting them in the same cage. Move the birds to the same cage after a couple of days. Put nesting materials in the cage to encourage the couple to start building a nest. [21] X Research source Remove any birds that are exhibiting signs of aggression or rejection of a potential partner.
Courtship Aggression Jealousy or being “hormonal”[23] X Research source Carrying material in the feathers Nest-building. [24] X Research source
Cooked elbow macaroni Pearl barley Frozen vegetables Granulated sea kelp Whole grain brown rice Apples Greens Cereal, toast or crackers Cuttlebone. [26] X Research source
Look at the nest every morning to see if there are any eggs. The female will generally lay eggs at night. She may produce one egg every other day, up to 5 or 6 eggs. [28] X Research source Be aware that two female lovebirds, if placed together. can lay up to 10 infertile eggs. [29] X Research source
Be aware the female will only leave to excrete waste, drink, and have a bite of food. In most cases, the male will feed the female during brooding. [32] X Research source
Handle the eggs as gently as possible. [35] X Research source Check each egg by holding an egg up to a light source, such as a flashlight and looking for a membrane, which is a sign the egg is fertile. [36] X Research source You can also check by placing the egg in a shallow dish of warm water one week before it hatches. After five seconds, check if you can see a membrane. [37] X Research source Be aware that it is normal for eggs to not be fertile or for a baby to die in the egg. [38] X Research source
The mother bird will feed the babies for 6-8 weeks from the nutritious food you provide. [40] X Research source Remove any unhatched eggs or baby lovebirds that die.
