Love Birds
These birds are great pets for older children but may be a bit too
nippy for younger children.
They are quiet birds, so they can live in an apartment with you.
They can also be friendly with all members of your family if they are hand-fed
and socialized from a young age. They can become nippy as they mature if they
are not properly or consistently handled. They need to be kept singly or they
will bond with each other rather than you.
The most popular types kept as pets are the Fischer's, Masked, and
Peach-Faced. Make sure you buy a young bird rather than an older one because
they are easier to tame from a young age. You can tell that one is younger by
the amount of black on his beak--the more black, the more young (this may be
different with different color mutations). The black normally disappears when
they are 4 months old.
If you are able to provide your bird with adaquate care and love,
then this might be the perfect bird for you.
Fast Facts
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Name
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Lovebird (Agapornis)
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Origin
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Africa
and Madagascar
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Size
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4-7 in., 50 grams
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Color Differences
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There
are a lot of different color varieties to choose from.
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Average Cost
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$75-200
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Lifespan
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up to
20 years
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Noise
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Quiet--they are able to live in an apartment with
you.
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Qualities
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Need to
be well socialized with members of your family, need to be kept singly, can
become nippy, males are less temperamental than the females, curious, very
energetic, playful, love to go inside things (so a hanging bed or hut should
be provided unless it causes aggression), great first-time birds.
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Abilities
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Low--most don't learn to talk, but they are able
to be trained.
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Interaction/Time Requirements
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They
need daily handling in order to be well socialized and less nippy.
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Diet
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They need a diet for small birds.
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Supplies Needed
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They
need supplies for small birds.
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