That Bird Blog That Fish Place / That Pet Place Bird Blog
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Despite the “love” part of their name, these tiny parrots (9 species in the genus Agapornis) are actually quite feisty and downright aggressive towards one another at times. Introducing new birds is not easy, but once a pair forms the birds will be quite devoted to each other, and may well produce eggs. Small size suits lovebirds well to indoor breeding, and renders them a logical choice for aviculturists with limited space.
Some Cautions
Before embarking on lovebird breeding, please bear in mind that this undertaking is not without its risks. You may wind up with birds that do not get along, and if you keep more than 1 pair you will likely need separate facilities for the breeders (except perhaps in an outdoor aviary).
Health concerns may also arise – females may become egg bound, or produce too many clutches. Also, even friendly, long-term pets usually become quite protective of their nests, and will remain aggressive towards you throughout the breeding season.
Distinguishing the Sexes
Unfortunately, males and females of the most commonly kept lovebirds – the peach-faced, Fischer’s and masked – are nearly indistinguishable by eye. You will need to watch their behavior closely, or submit samples for DNA or feather sexing to be sure.
Abyssinian, Madagascar and red-faced lovebirds are sexually dimorphic, but these species are only infrequently kept as pets in the USA.
The Nest
Wild lovebirds nest in tree hollows or appropriate (sometimes forcibly ejecting the owners!) the nests of swifts and various weavers. In captivity a specially designed lovebird nest box will suit them well. The nest should be positioned as high within the cage as is possible.
Wood shavings should cover the floor of the box to a depth of 2-3 inches. This will simplify cleaning and prevent the splay-legged condition that is often seen in chicks raised on hard surfaces.
Wild lovebirds repeatedly carry fresh bark into their nests, a habit which may increase humidity. Captive lovebirds will readily utilize moistened cypress for this purpose. Lightly spraying the female lovebird when she is out of the nest will also help in this regard (do not spray within the box itself). Commercial nesting material should also be available.
Peach-faced and several other lovebirds tuck nesting material within their feathers to transport it to the nest…don’t miss watching this unique behavior if you have the opportunity.
The Eggs and Chicks
Female lovebirds usually lay their first egg 7-10 days after copulation, with an additional egg being produced at intervals of 1-2 days thereafter. A full clutch consists of 4-7 eggs, and most females do not begin incubating until several eggs have been laid.
Usually, the hen sits and is fed by the male. Male masked lovebirds, however, often sit near the hen, but it is not clear if they are actually doing anything useful, in terms of incubation!
The eggs hatch in 20-27 days, and the chicks leave the nest after 35-50 days. They are fed by their parents for an additional 2 weeks after fledging, by which time they are usually completely independent.
There are a few tricks to use with reluctant and over-ambitious breeders. Please write in if you need further information. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
Additional Reading
Please see my article on the Masked or Yellow-Collared Lovebird for information on the care and natural history of this and other lovebird species.
Image referenced from Wikipedia and originally posted by TheAlphaWolf
why do they crack there eggs both male and female birds
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest in our blog. A calcium deficiency may be involved, in which case the eggs shells will be thin, and easily broken as the adults incubate them. Your vet can run a blood test to check calcium levels. Another factor might be stress; birds sometimes crack their eggs if they are startled while on the nest. If the box is not secure or too small, they may continually try to “improve” the site, and crack eggs in the process.
Please write back with further details and I’ll be happy to offer more specific advice.
Good luck and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
so last week my LBs were kinda humping, as in she had her wings out and the other was on top gyrating and making small breath sounds lol, and today i found she has 3 eggs in her nesting pouch thing. because they “mated” and she layed eggs does that mean the eggs are fertilized, or will they just be hollow? also one of them just sits on top of the nesting pouch while the other is inside, the one inside periodically comes out for food and water, but all the other one does is chirp loudly and jump around the cage when you try to add more seed, is this normal for a new parent in captivity? as it is usually quite mellow and relaxed. sorry about all the questions id appreciate if you wrote back soon, thanks
Hello Jeff, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest in our blog and for your observations – very useful to other readers.
Bird copulation is usually a very quick affair – just as you describe.. so your lovebirds might be insulted by the “mating” comment : ). The male transfers sperm by lining up his cloaca/vent with the female’s (sometimes she continues to eat or preen and seems not to notice!). So the eggs may be fertile. Usually they will behave as you have described – the male spends most of his time outside the nest, and may even feed the female during the incubation time (21-26 days). Both will tend to be more aggressive and high strung at this time, so disturb them as little as possible; try to minimize cleaning etc. if possible. Usually they will return to their former selves once the chicks have fledged.
Please let me know which species you have…most raise the young well if not stressed. Be sure the parents are given a varied, balanced diet. Adding some sprouts and additional greens is useful, and continue with or add a high quality vitamin supplement and a calcium source. Egg Food should also be offered, although not all Lovebirds will accept it.
Good luck and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
and when theyre hatched is there anything we can do or will the mother take care of it all? also we moved the cage into a spare room where its quiett and warm so i hope that helps\
Hello Jeff,
Thanks for the feedback. They may be Peach Faced L:ovebirds – please check These Photos.
Please do not check the eggs, as this will stress the parents,. Possibly cause them to abandon the nest. Nothing you could do in any event if the eggs are broken, If they are not fertile, the female will abandon them at the end of the usual incubation time.
Good luck and please keep me posted.
Hello Jeff,
Thanks for your note…good idea to move them, just make sure you alert them via a whistle that you are approaching if the room’s door is closed – don’t just open the door w/o warning, never put on a room light in an otherwise dark room, etc.
Lovebird parents usually do very well,….just add the food items I mentioned last time, and please write back anytime.
Good luck and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
yeah those look just like em thanks and i will keep you posted i bookmarked this you seem to know a lot about birds so ill keep you posted even after they hatch so i can get advice etc. thanks a lot
Hello Jeff,
Gad you identified them and yes, please check in. I’ve spent most of my career at the Bronx Zoo, still do some field work when the opportunity comes up. I post new articles twice weekly on ThatBirdBlog, should you wish to take a look.
Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
dear frank, my husband got a pair of love birds for me about 3 years ago from the local pet smart. not sure what sex but, very devoted to each other. the second year they started shredding paper & were trying to weave it in the bars of their cage. we provided a nest box etc. & were rewarded with 12 eggs none of which hatched after the alotted time period. this spring the same behavior appeared so we reinstalled the nest box. no eggs appeared but .after about the 4th day we sadly found what we assumed was the male dead in the bottom of the box at bedtime. could the other bird have caused his death? she is very aggressive keeping him in the box & plucking feathers from the back of his neck. we miss our dear george but, are afraid of getting another. does she need a friend? she has a canary next to her & receives attention from us. sorry for all the questions but, we need help to do whats right for gracie
Hello Shanyn, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest in our blog and sorry for the bad news. Had your bird actually killed the other, you would have seen more evidence of trauma…in any event, this is very rare; stress is not good for any bird, but also would not likely have caused the death. Lovebirds can form same sex pairs, courting and nesting without mating…this can lead to problems in captive birds; mated pairs also may suddenly fight when on eggs – there are lots of hormones affecting birds at this time, and the confines of captivity what might have otherwise been a squabble may turn very serious.
Lovebirds are misnamed in some ways – they are among the most aggressive of parrots, and very hard to pair up. A new bird at this point would be risky – you would need to be sure of the sexes and to be prepared to house them apart. They are social by nature, but will not expire/pine away w/o a mate as is sometimes suggested. Its better for them to have company, in order to avoid boredom, screaming, plucking and so on, but having a canary nearby will help, as will attention from you – you may find that the bird becomes closer to you in time than it was in the past. Plenty of toys and activities are important – foraging toys and the like are especially useful.
Good luck and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
ONE OF THE EGGS HATCHED!! its a tiny little pink thing lol but they both seem to be taking care of it. any ideas what the interval is between hatchings we assumed that this is the egg that was layed first. also what are the chances that all 5 eggs will hatch or is it more common for only a couple
Hello Jeff,
Great news, thanks for letting me know! There is usually an interval of 1-2 days between hatching, but this can vary by a day or so. Usually all are fertile. Just try not to check on them too much, keep the room quiet and limit what you do in the cage, cleaning and all, as stress can cause them to abandon the eggs., Lovebirds may also become aggressive toward people at this time, even if usually friendly.
Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
dearest frank, thank you so very much for your response & great info! we miss our george but, want to do all we can to keep gracie happy! she does indeed love to chew on her wood swings -so we will for sure look into getting her some foraging toys. thanks again for your help & good luck to jeff & his growing family!
Hello Shanyn,
Thanks for taking the time to write back, I’m glad the info was helpful. Please check in from time to time, and let me know if you need anything in the future,
Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
I live in India during my vacation and I bought 4 love birds from a local store in India. I don’t know really how to care these birds, and so I only fed them with the usual pet food and some mango leaves, they seem to like the leaves than the food. A few days back, one bird escaped while I was filling the bowl of food so I fetched another. I really need help telling the difference in sex apart and I need to know simple steps in taming them. Can you plz help taming and tellin the sex apart?
And one more thing, I can’t use a DNA sample cause no proper vet in India and these pets are of unknown age and I bought them 3-4 weeks back(the new one that i Bought was half-week ago).
Hello Falvo, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest in our blog. Unfortunately, is nearly impossible to distinguish the sexes of the most commonly-kept species (I don’t believe you mentioned what species you have) by eye…you’ll need to watch their behavior carefully (please see article text for further details). DNA testing is the most reliable method, if that is available to you.
Taming lovebirds kept in a group is not easy, and their personalities vary a great deal. Please check out this article on Parrot Socialization, which is the first step in taming.
Good luck and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Hi,
First and foremost i find your blog very interesting and informational…. I have a pair of love birds according to the pet store a female peach-face ( peach color face with a dull green body and blue tail, white beak )and a male Fischer ( bright green w/orange face, yellow neck, red beak). My question is will the 2 different species be able to mate? They get along well. I’ve provided them with a box nest with wood shavings, however they have just about threw it all out. Do I put more shavings in the nest? Any info that you may give we will be highly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Giovana
Hello Giovana, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks so much for the kind words.
The two species can breed – please check out this photo of Peach-faced/ Fischer’s hybrids.
You will likely tire of adding wood chips before the birds tire of discarding it! Some pairs will use chips, but most prefer to strip bark from fruit tree branches (be sure they are pesticide-free. Dried palm fronds are also favored – florists/greenhouses usually have these on hand and have no real use for them. You can also try dried grasses, especially long, thick-bladed varieties.
The birds may be difficult to handle when they pair up, but their interesting behavior is a fine trade-off!
Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Hi Frank,
Thanks for you quick response. I was wondering if it’s normal for the bird (Bonnie and Clyde) to spend just about all day in the nest. If it is, why. I have plenty of toys and treats in their cage for them to keep themselves entertained. They are not as active as they were when I just put them together about 2 weeks ago. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Giovana
Hello Giovana,
My pleasure, thanks for the feedback.
Perhaps there are eggs?…although in this case usually only 1 would incubate. I wouldn’t disturb them to check, but try to peek in when they both come out. Females also tend to stay in the nest just before laying; also, it’s easy to make a mistake when sexing the birds – sometimes 2 females will bond and lay infertile eggs.
Please let me know how things progress,
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Hello Giovana,
Perhaps there are eggs?…although in this case usually only 1 would incubate. I wouldn’t disturb them to check, but try to peek in when they both come out. Females also tend to stay in the nest just before laying; also, it’s easy to make a mistake when sexing the birds – sometimes 2 females will bond and lay infertile eggs.
Please let me know how things progress,
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
I have a pair of lovebirds. the male has a green body with an orange face, the female has a yellow body with a red face. ( im sorry i don’t know what they are called). A few days ago, i saw 5 eggs in the nestbox. I was wondering if the gender of the chicks could be known based on the genetics of the parents? Thank you.
Hello Anne, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest in our blog. Check out some online photos of Peach-faced Lovebirds; the green/orange combination is typical, the other bird may be a different color phase that has been developed by breeders.
There’s no way to predict the chicks’ colors or sexes; but they will likely be a very interesting mix considering the parents. Best to leave them alone as much as possible – don’t look into nest, just do basic cleaning/feeding, keep room quiet, don’t turn lights on suddenly if dark, etc. so that they do not abandon the nest. Let me know if you need more info,
Good luck and please keep me posted; I look forward to some good news!
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
hi Frank.
Thank you for your response. As i checked the nestbox yesterday, I was surprised to find 4 chicks inside. I was wondering if the parents will be able to feed them equally as there is one chick that is really smaller than the others.
Hello Anne, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for the feedback and congrats on the good news! Lovebirds are usually good parents, but small, weak chicks sometimes do not survive. Unfortunately, it’s best not to intervene…if you try to remove the chick and hand feed (very difficult) the parents may abandon the nest.
Be sure to provide them with extra greens (sprouts, kale, dandelion, romaine lettuce, etc.) at this time. It’s also useful to add some moistened tree bark (fruit tree bark, willow) if available, or some pine wood chips (as sold for use with small animal pets) as the parents may add this to the nest to raise the humidity. Do not used cedar, as it can be toxic.
Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Hi Frank…
I recently took my lovebirds to a pet shop to be sexed, as per them both my birds are females. I went and both a male, however when I placed him in the age with the females they nearly killed him. i want to breed my birds but they are so happy with each other I don’t have the heart to separate them. Is there any way that I can introduce a male with out risking any danger to him?
Hello Giovana, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest in our blog. It’s not uncommon for females to bond, act as a pair and become territorial. As you suspect, separating them can cause problems, including screaming, feather plucking etc. Unfortunately, it would be very difficult to introduce a male to 2 females under any circumstances…if he paired with one, both might attack the other when they nest. You can sometimes give the mail a “home advantage” by introducing an aggressive female to his cage, but introducing the 2 would not work. In large outdoor aviaries multiple pairs sometimes work out, but you would need 2 males and plenty of space…sorry, no simple answer to this one.
Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Hello Frank,
My name is Sheila and I would first of all like to say how wonderful it is to find such an informative and insiteful blog! My question to you is the following, I have a female peachface who has just mated and laid 4 eggs with a blackmasked green dilute male (2 different speicies I know, but this pairing was unexpected). The problem I am having is that the female has finished laying her clutch and is still not sitting on her eggs at all but the male seems to stay in the box all the time with the eggs also a lot of the time the female enters the box and has violent tiffs with the male, so much so that I have recently noticed that she is plucking chunks of feathers out of him as well as drawing blood. I have supplied paper for her to shred as well as nesting material discs and filled the box with carefresh bedding but I am confused as why she is not sitting on her eggs and being violent towards the male for being in the box (blackmasked are known to sit in the box). As of right now I have separated them keeping the female with the nest and put septic powder on the male to aid in healing but I do know that the male is supposed to feed the female while she sits (if she ever does) so will my separating them cause issues? I have a heating pad under the cage and blankets on top to try and keep it warm but I am not sure what else to do. Any advice would be appriciated!
Sincerely Sheila
Hello Sheila, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your kind words and the interesting post.
While mixed-species pairs can work out, problems such as you describe are very common; added to this is the fact that captivity itself often influences normal nesting behavior. Despite the “love” part of their name, lovebirds are actually among the most difficult birds to pair up – established pairs of the same species, however, are usually good parents.
It may be that the male is programmed to spend time in the nest, but, as this is not the norm for peach-faced lovebirds, the female is trying to keep him out. Stress, even after he is removed, may prevent her from incubating the eggs. If she does incubate, the clutch may not hatch as, without a male, she’ll need to leave for food and water.
Unfortunately there’s not much that can be done…they will continue to fight if re-introduced, and the chances of the eggs hatching will be reduced further. I would keep them apart (different rooms may be necessary at this point, in order to reduce stress on both. She’ll abandon the eggs if they do not hatch within the usual incubation period. A same-species mate would be best, but give the female a month or so after she leaves the nest before trying to pair her.
As for heat, depending upon the size and temperature of the room, you might wish to consider an oil-filled radiator (these provide even heat throughout the room) or, for localized heating, a ceramic heater as is sold for use with reptiles.
Sorry I do not have brighter news,
Good luck and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
I have a pair of Dutch blue lovebirds and they currently have laid 5 eggs, their first clutch! They are both sitting on the eggs but both come out if they hear anything in the room around them, will this cause the eggs to not hatch as they leave the eggs? Most importantly my female has gotten extreamly aggressive, so badly that I cant put my hand in the cage at all (used to be very friendly). Will this get better once the chicks hatch? How can I clean out the cage? Will she return to normal once again? Another wierd question, I bought both of my lovebirds together, and for all I know they came from the same clutch, which would make them brother and sister, the store told me it is fine if so and they mate, is this true or do I have serious problems if they are??? Please help, there are many discrepncies online!
I take it no one monitors this site anymore, I guess I will look somewhere else!
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for your interest. I answer all questions promptly – have I missed a post of yours? I look forward to hearing from you,
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Yes Post #33 by Smurf! At this point 3 eggs have hatched and they are taking good care of the chicks as far as I can tell, everytime I check on them they come out of the nesting box to see what I am doing? Now I am curious when they will start to develope and have normal eyes! Any other suggestions or anything I should look for?
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
Thanks for the feedback, congrats! Development is fairly slow – they take 6-8 weeks to fledge, so you may not see noticeable changes right away. The parents are very cautious at this point, which is why they are coming out when you are nearby. They can still abandon the nest at this stage, so avoid disturbing them. Provide soaked seeds, sprouts and chopped kale, dandelion and other greens, which they will feed to the chicks, as well as extra food for the adults, as the female especially will need extra calories now.
Please see this article on sprouting seeds.
Please let me know if you need any further information. Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.
Hey Frank,
This question might sound crazy but, is it possible to teach a lovebird how to tolerate other bird species (namely canary)?
It sounds impossible…
But some videos (actually quite a lot) in youtube have canaries living with other small hookbills like budgies and lovebirds… (video by “loveoffeathers”)
Inspiring indeed, maybe someday I’d make a larger spacious aviary so these birds can live together.
Thanks Frank…
Hi Raymond,
It’s not so much a matter of teaching as good fortune; the personalities of parrots, even among the same species, vary a great deal. In my experience, lovebirds (despite their name!) are among the most intolerant of all parrots when it comes to other birds (they are also hard to pair-up). They have no fear – a group of Fischer’s Lovebirds that I kept routinely bullied the small antelopes that shared their exhibit! (please see this article).
Budgies or cockatiels may work if there is plenty of room and lots of sight barriers (bushes, etc. Some of the Australian grass parakeets have also been mixed with various finches, and, as you mention, lovebirds on occasion. Hard to predict, however – the parrot’s former history is likely important. Another problem is that mated pairs will likely become aggressive once they nest, even if they co-existed in the past.
Please keep me posted, enjoy, Frank
my peachface love birds keep dicarding there eggs i just need to know why
Hello,
It is most often stress related – noise, unsuitable nesting box, too much time spent cleaning/feeding in cage, people checking the nest, etc. However, some birds seem prone to this, even when all is well, unfortunately.
Please let me know if you need any further info, Best, Frank
Hi Frank, I have four fischers in a large outdoor aviary here in Melbourne with a variety of nest boxes in it. There are two blue series males (cobalts) and two green series females (one double factor yellow face and one single factor yellow face with spangle it seems). The males seem to have bonded together and spend the day preening closely and feeding together. Each of the females has taken a separate nest box but they show no interest in the males, or indeed much interest in each other. One of the females seems to be the most dominant of the four and the others clear off all feeding areas for her. The less dominant female seems more interested in the males and will interact with them sometimes.
I’m not too fussed if they don’t breed, as they are lovely as they are. And it’s a delight to watch them when I’m out in the garden. But I wonder if it could be that the males will continue to ignore the females and stay in their close bond? I know I can’t force the issue, and they all get along great with no fights. I was just wondering if you could shed light on this for me. I had assumed that natural urges would take over and they would form at least one pair of opposite sexes but nearly a year now, and nothing yet….
Thanks for your thoughts
best wishes
m
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the interesting post. I’ve observed similar situations among this and other species in large zoo exhibits. Captivity and breeding history (inbreeding and such) changes everything, and it becomes difficult to predict what may happen re pairing off and breeding. Having them outdoors, even if not within the natural range, is the best option, as changing light, temperature and rain cycles often encourage naturalistic behaviors. However, they may continue along as they have been. It is good, as you mention, that they get along, as this can be a real problem. If pairs do form, watch them carefully, as aggression can develop very quickly.
Sorry I could not offer a more promising reply. I’m very interested to see how all progresses, please keep me posted, Enjoy, Frank
Hi Frank!
I was so happy when I saw your blog…. and I thought you can help me out with my lovebird problem….
So here the problem goes:
Just a day or two before yesterday, my female lovebird start to lay eggs, but I never saw them mate. BTW their a pair of lovebirds (male and female). Then the next day the female still spends her time inside the nest, but before the sunset that day I noticed that the male lovebird force her to mate, only a short amount of time. Now that it’s already night at around 11:00, suddenly I heard my female lovebird squeaking without stopping for a long time. I check their cage and I saw that the male is like maybe forcing her to mate or fighting with her. It never comes to my mind that my lovebirds will fight,but seeing their attitude made me crazy. This morning I check the cage and found out that my female lovebird is hurt, because there’s a wound that almost touch her right eye that’s why her right eye is closed all day. And also the part at the back of her neck is bald (featherless). Pls. Help me I don’t know what to do… right now she already have two eggs and already sitting on them (but still wounded). Oh I also noticed that when the female lovebird gets out of the nest the male will force her to mate or fight something like that (I can’t determine) but it’s like the male lovebird wants to mate her but the female doesnt.
So my questions are:
*What is the male doing to the female lovebird?
*Should I seperate them?
*And oh my female lovebird which is currently inside the nest lays her egg there even though there’s no nesting material I just found little pieces of feathers that is not enough to cover the nest’s floor. Is it alright? BTW I provide nesting materials but they put it in their water bowl..
*Will my female lovebird die?
Thanks in advance
Hi Jane,
Lovebirds can be very aggressive to one another and to other animals; Please see this article for a note on some I kept at the Bx Zoo, which would chase away antelopes! In some ways, they are mis-named!
In the wild, the pair’s hormone levels are controlled by weather, daylength etc., and they mate and incubate on schedule w/o problems. Also, the female can get away from the male when when need be. These factors change in captivity, and aggression is not uncommon as a result. Best to separate them. She should lay more eggs and can raise the chicks, or most of them alone. Extra care will be needed..we can discuss that as hatching time nears.
They don;t make much of a nest…try adding some wood shavings, as are sold for use with snakes or rodent pets. Place a bit in the nest box if you can do so while she is out, without stressing her, or just leave a small bowl available.
There’s always a chance of infection when wounds are present, but usually the bird heals well if the attacks stop. Bringing her to a vet now will throw of incubation, and she may retain the remaining eggs, which can be fatal. I would say best to leave her alone, but remove the male.
Please keep me posted, best, Frank
Thanks Frank
If I remove the male, then will the egg she will lay sooner will become infertile?
My pleasure; No way to be sure – the egg may be fertile, since mating has already occurred, However, it is common for some infertile eggs to be produced after mating as well. Best, Frank
I think my male lovebird is crazy, today I found him preening with the female. And they seem to become friends again. And from then on, I never saw the male lovebird mate with her again. Oh yeah.. and I saw a piece of a feather, but it’s only one and I think it’s from the female because she has the same color with the feather left in the nest. I left a paper box full of paper strips, but they seem not to like it, though.
So my questions again:
*Why are my lovebirds Friends again?
*Why don’t they put the paper strips in their nest?
*Why do they stop mating?
Thanks!
Hi Jane,
Very good news! Most likely the male is no longer in breeding condition, meaning that his hormones are no longer stimulating him to mate. This is what should happen once they have mated several times and the female started to lay her eggs. Paper or bark strips are mainly used to build up humidity when nesting in dry habitats. You can leave some available, but no nee to worry if they do not use. I hope all goes well, please keep me posted, Frank
Thanks For answering all my questions…..
I noticed that the female lovebird didn’t sit on her eggs today. And yeah….. she stopped laying egg (her eggs are only two) . But yesterday and the rest of the day before yesterday she is spending all her time in the nest incubating her eggs, now it seems that she’s always outside. For more info….. It’s raining today.
(sorry for asking too many questions I’m really new to this things)
Questions Again :
*Why did my female lovebird stopped laying egg since she laid her 2nd egg?
*Why did she stop sitting on her eggs today?
*Will she lay more eggs soon?
Hi Jane,
Please don’t hesitate to ask, that’s what I’m here for. A female’s first clutch is often smaller than normal, and she doesn’t always incubate properly. Usually this changes over time. Best to leave her be, she may try to incubate; if they do not hatch, she’ll abandon them and they can be removed; check back with me if she stays off the nest for several days.
Watch that she is not straining, siting on floor with feathers puffed-out, which may indicate that she is trying to pass an egg but cannot. This would require quick vet attention. Best, Frank
Thanks again,
Today my Female Lovebird is outside again
but I will be observing her this whole day. I will keep you informed, If I get another info. I’m sure that she is not straining, because she’s sitting in the highest perch. Oh yea! and It’s Raining here again Maybe because of the weather. It’s been two days raining.
Hi Jane,
Thanks for the feedback; you’d notice if she was egg-bound, so all is well. Eggs will not likely hatch if not incubated properly, but best to leave for now. Pulling them right away may cause her to lay another clutch. Best, Frank
Oh additional info…..
The two egg inside the nest, I just noticed as I was changing their water and feeds, The eggs are broken on the cage floor
:’( . What should I do? And when will be the next time that my lovebird will mate and lay eggs again?
Hi Jane,
Sorry for bad news but not unusual, esp. for first-time breeders. Eggs were likely not fertile; in such cases parents usually toss them. Disturbances can cause this as well, but seems like you are careful about that, so probably infertility was involved. They may re-nest again, but this is controlled by hormones, light levels, etc. in nature – in captivity that all changes, so it’s hard to predict. In zoos we manipulate daylength, temperature etc. to induce breeding, but I suggest just letting them settle down; they’ll adjust to the environment and breed when ready. It’s a good sign that they tried, many pairs will not, even if all seems well. Make sure cuttlebone is available, she’ll need to build up Cvalcium stores. A variety of fruits and vegetables, in small amounts are also useful (let me know if you need details). Full spectrum light is impt for them, so tha tVit D can be manufactured…not essential if proper diet is given, but a good idea. Please see this article for more info.
Pl keep me posted, best, Frank
Very informative,
Thanks Frank. . . . . About the Fruits and Vegetable, they are not used to eat those. When I put some, the fruits or vegetable got rotten. I remember that last month I used to feed them seeds with black color, and other seeds (I don’t know them) . But they are not available yet this time, that’s why I bought them a normal seed (with no black colored seed). Oh they are not tamed, Does the disturbance apply when changing the feeds?
Hi Jane,
Their diet should be comprised of a seed mix formulated for lovebirds, such as those linked in this article, under “Feeding”. They have specific needs, it’s not a good idea to choose randomly. Try a variety of fruits, vegetables in small amounts…greens (dandelion, romaine etc. are often taken). You can also try sprouting seeds…most love these. Use a vitamin supplement as well, esp. if they are not eating vegetables. Keep a cuttlebone in the cage, as this will supply calcium; if they do not chew the cuttlebone, add a calcium supplement to the food.
Even tame birds become often become nervous and aggressive at breeding time (I raised a Barn Owl by hand at the Bx Zoo, extremely tame, but when on the nest she would fly right at my head if I entered the exhibit!) so it’s always best to limit time in and near the cage when they are breeding. Move slowly at other times as well.
I’m not sure if you mentioned the type of lovebirds you have?…same general rules, but let me know when you have a chance, Best, Frank
Best, Frank
Oh the type of lovebird?
When I bought them in a pet shop (BTW, they don’t came from the same petshop) The salesman said that they are lovebird, nothing else, just an eight-letter Lovebird
. You know, I am really curious about the type of bird is my male lovebird. Because he really looks like a Budgie, I can give you the link of his look-alike in google pictures :
http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?q=green+budgie&num=10&hl=fil&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=747&tbm=isch&tbnid=JshbGsZZkAEqiM:&imgrefurl=http://www.birdsvalue.com/2011/budgie-budgerigar-parakeet-colors-and-mutations-guide/&docid=5E0F9nxC3KFAWM&imgurl=http://www.birdsvalue.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Green-Budgie-Front-300×283.jpg&w=300&h=283&ei=nZRuUMPAH4eyiQeun4DIBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=208&vpy=223&dur=670&hovh=218&hovw=231&tx=92&ty=131&sig=103117382818014229961&page=3&tbnh=169&tbnw=210&start=48&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:48,i:241
Really looks like him, just like a perfect twins. That’s why I’m wondering if he’s a Budgie. While the female have a plain color yellow except a ( ” ” ) qoutation mark or like a (moustache?) below her eyes. And it’s color white. When I bought them the green male (lovebird?) is already in the cage, because I bought him first, her mate just died
that’s why. After her mate died, a month after, I bought a female lovebird. So far they don’t have problems, even though they are new to each other. . . even until now (just the problem when the female is laying egg) . They have cuttlebone.
Thanks again.
Hi Jane,
The photo is of a budgie, not a lovebird; I’ll get back to you later in the day with some further info, articles and ideas. (PS you may wish to look for another pet store nearby for local advice!). Best, Frank
Thanks I’ll be waiting
Hi Jane,
Following are articles on the natural history and care of budgies; please let me know if you have any questions; Best, Frank
http://bitly.com/Tc8wKR
http://bitly.com/QR6DOt
http://bitly.com/UJOgMI
http://bitly.com/QLI74l
hi Frank,
i have 5 lovebirds, 2 males and 3 females, but the 2 females keep their bond as they feed and mate everyday.
my problem is, how to prevent my 2 female lovebirds in mating and how to pair them with my male lovebirds.
thank you. kairi
Hi Kairi,
Unfortunately, what you describe is common and difficult to change. Captive conditions, the early history of the individual birds, etc., often leads to same-sexed pairing. Success is sometimes had by splitting the pair and introducing another bird, but more often than not this is stressful to the paired birds and may result in their attacking new comers. Love birds are especially choosy about mates, and once a pair has formed there is not much that can be done.
Best, Frank
Aloha…I have a pair of lovebirds that I rescued. It was never my intention to breed. After having them for just one month the pair started what I later found out was a courtship. I have no history on these birds so I don’t know if they’ve ever produced a healthy clutch before. I witnessed what i thought was the female on top of the male. Only the one time and then it was the other way around. I supplied shavings for them because I noticed her rump becoming rounded and did not want her to lay at the bottom of her outdoor aviary. Last Friday she was breathing heavier than normal and would not come out of her box. The next morning there was an egg in the box. Two days later another egg. When I checked this morning there are now four eggs. Is it possible for a lovebird to lay two eggs in one day or does it sound like I have a female/female pair? And if so when can I remove the infertile eggs? Mahalo
Hi Melissa,
Congrats..usually people write in for advice on how to get their birds to breed (lovebirds can be very picky when it comes to mate selection)…you’ve obviously made them feel very secure. What species do you have?
The traditional wisdom is that eggs are deposited very-other-day, and I’ve not run into any exceptions. however, as they are cavity nesters, it’s possible that incidences of 2 eggs being produced on the same day may have gone unnoticed. But even if you have a same sex pair, it’s best to leave the eggs for the full incubation time, after which the female will likely abandon them. if you pull eggs early in the cycle, the birds will often lay a replacement clutch (we use this technique in zoos to obtain 2 clutches from rare birds…the first eggs are put under a foster mom).
Please keep me posted, I’m interested to hear how all goes, Enjoy, Frank
Aloha frank,
I have a sf violet aqua blue and a normal green peachie. The pair are extremely bonded. I will leave the eggs for the full incubation period and then remove them. I candled the older two this morning and on each one notice a dark circle. No veins yet…ill try again in about a week. I hate disturbing them. They really have been a joy to own. They have such unique personalities. I’ve always had medium to large parrots so this is a new endeavor for me. I don’t believe in breeding outside of a specific program to increase numbers of endangered species. There are so many unwanted or neglected birds. Thank you for answering my questions. I’m sure ill have many more
Mahalo,
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
I wouldn’t bother candling them..stressful, and can cause her to abandon the eggs; even if infertile, bet to leave them.
Yes…They are so unique; you might enjoy this note on a group I kept at the Bx Zoo; different species than yours, but with similar behaviors.
Please keep me posted, best, frank
Aloha frank,
I found your article very informative and entertaining at the same time. Here in Hawaii we have a huge problem with the mongoose. I at first feared for my birds being in the outdoor aviary. That is until I saw the pair of them send up a huge alarm and such a loud raucous that they scared the poor mongoose off lol. I no longer fear for their safety. I have had the pleasure of visiting the Bronx zoo and many other zoos around the world. The Bronx zoo is by far my favorite so far. Although I’m planning a trip to the Auckland zoo so ill let you know if that feeling changes
I am thoroughly enjoying observing my birds behaviors. I have another single peachie, part of the same rescue, that I am making huge strides with as far as being able to interact with him/her. Overall a delightful species. Thank you for all of your time in answering my questions.
Mahalo
Melissa
That’s a great story, Melissa, thank you for that and the kind words. I’ve worked on mongoose predation in the Caribbean (sea turtle nests) and have kept them in zoos as well..can’t say i recall any bird scaring one off! The “love” part of their name is a bit misleading..they can be real little terrors! I don’t think they are given enough attention by hobbyists or zoos.
I enjoy seeing other zoos as well, and have done some work with several in Japan…insect exhibits there are beyond belief, as are the aquariums.; exhibits vary as to larger animals, with some older zoos needing work. Please let me know about Auckland, I’m very interested to hear..
Best regards, Frank
Well, I know for certain now that they are two females laying together at the same time. Last night one of them layed an egg, and then this afternoon another layed an egg. I’ll just leave them be for another few weeks and then remove the eggs. For future reference, is there something I can do to deter egg laying?
Hi Melissa,
The presence of a nest box will stimulate them to lay, so remove it once they have abandoned the eggs. Some continue to lay in food bowls, however, but they usually stop in time.
The incubation period for the eggs is 22-25 days; leave them for a few days longer than that if the birds do not quit the nest on their own, then remove the eggs and the box.
be sure that the birds have access to a cuttlebone; adding a calcium supplement to the diet would be useful as well, as egg production will deplete their supply.
At least you know they are well settled and content! best, Frank
Aloha Frank,
Thank you for your help.
They have multiple cuttle bones that they always chew on as well as oyster shell that I add to their food. Is that enough or should I add a supplement to their water? I’ve read that it’s not a good method because you can’t control how much they’re getting. Also, should I start the 25 days from the first or last egg? Sorry for all the questions…as I’ve said I never intended to breed.
Mahalo,
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
Glad to be of help.
No need to add any more Calcium if they are using cuttle and oyster shell. Okay to provide it ad-lib, they generally take what they need and do not have problems.
Start from last egg, no need to be too specific, some birds sit a little longer than others, but usually an “internal clock” will alert them to abandon the nest.
Spring had been progressing nicely here in NY, but last night temps dropped to 35 F, and cool today, so I’m jealous of your locale!
Pl keep me posted, best, frank
We’ve had a couple of cool days here this past week. I think it only reached 72 for a high
I miss the east coast winters sometimes…but it only lasts a few seconds
I prefer the exotic and tropical locations because I do not like to be indoors. The Honolulu zoo is not the greatest, but they do have a huge assortment of birds.
Ill let you know how the birds progress on the nest.
Mahalo
Melissa
Thanks, Melissa,
A friend worked with brds there long ago…said great things about the collection.
Good luck, I’ll look for your updates, best, Frank
Aloha Frank,
I am completely confused now. I watched each day to see if the birds layed more eggs. Last Sunday there were still only 6 eggs. All week there were only six eggs. Now this morning there are 7. Is it common to have such a large break between laying? I’m a bit concerned now.
Mahalo,
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
Unusual but as long as you do not see any signs of straining, lethargy etc that might indicate retained eggs or a blockage, no need for concern. Pl keep me posted, Best, Frank
HELLO FROM GEORGIA! WE WROTE YOU FOREVER (A COUPLE OF YEARS) AGO ABOUT LOSING OUR LOVEBIRD GEORGE & HOW BEST TO HELP OUR GRACIE COPE. SHE IS DOING WELL & FEISTY BUT, IS THE MESSIEST BIRD I KNOW! SHREDS HER PAPER TOWEL CAGE FLOORING DAILY AS SHE TRIES TO WEAVE THE STRIPS INTO THE BARS! SHE IS IN FULL NEST MAKING MODE 24/7 365 DAYS A YEAR
WE HAVE RADIO PLAYING DURING THE DAY & SHE HAS 2 VERY VOCAL- ACTIVE YOUNG PARAKEETS IN THE CAGE RIGHT NEXT TO HER ALSO A WINDOW TO LOOK OUT. SHE LAYS EGGS SEVERAL TIMES AYEAR & HAS JUST STARTED AGAIN. AT FIRST WE LET HER KEEP THEM FOR A FEW DAYS HOPING TO SLOW HER DOWN-NO. THEN, WE REMOVED THEM AS SOON AS WE FOUND THEM PROVIDING TOYS & TREATS FOR DISTRACTION BUT, SHE CONTINUES. THIS IS FINE WITH US BUT, NOT SURE THIS CAN BE GOOD FOR HER. YOU RECOMMENDED NOT TO GET ANOTHER LOVEBIRD AS SHE WAS SOOO ATTACHED TO GEORGE. BUT, I AM WONDERING WHAT WE CAN DO FOR HER? WE WANT HER TO BE AS HAPPY AS POSSIBLE & HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE 
THANKS -WE VALUE YOUR GUIDANCE
Hello Shanyn,
Thanks for the update and kind words. Trying another male would be a risk, although with her being so intent on nesting it may work; unfortunately, no way to predict, ..they can be picky.
Continued laying is a drain…be sure she is getting plenty of Calcium and a good diet. Best to leave the eggs until she abandons them (usually a few days after the entire incubation period ends, 23-28 days). Pulling before then often stimulates production of a replacement clutch (we do this in zoos in order to obtain 2 clutches from rare species); she may still lay again, but it is less likely if she broods and they do not hatch.
Pl keep me posted, best, Frank
THANKS FOR THE SPEEDY REPLY FRANK!
WILL TRY YOUR TRICK & LET HER RUN HER COURSE. SHE IS A VERY CRABBY PATTY & WE FEARED GETTING ANOTHER LOVEBIRD FOR THAT REASON. SOOOO-WE ARE FEEDING A HIGH QUALITY PELLET FOOD SHE HAS BEEN ON SINCE DAY 1-NOT A BIG FAN OF FRUITS AND VEGGIES WHEN OFFERED HAHA FREQUENT WATER CHANGES AS SHE IS DISGUSTING IN THROWING ANYTHING & EVERYTHING IN HER DISH TO THE POINT OF EMPTYING IT OUT ALL ONTO THE FLOOR! LOVE HER TO DEATH BUT, DOUBT I WOULD EVER CONSIDER GETTING ANOTHER AS SHE IS SOOOO HIGH MAINTENANCE! 
UUGGHHHH MAYBE SHE IS JUST A MISFIT HAHA WILL KEEP YOU POSTED TOMORROW SHOULD BE EGG # 2 DAY-SHE USUALLY LAYS 4 TO 6
My pleasure..many are like that, they act far “bigger” than their bodies; not sure if I mentioned in past, but a small group I kept at the zoo (peach faced) would chase small antelopes away from food pans! The water dish etc stuff is common also, mainly re-direced energy, etc…in the wild they are always on the go, cover lots of ground, always squabbling with flock members, etc. almost impossible to keep them busy at home. Hope all goes well, Frank