Your Guide to Lovebirds Breeding

Lovebirds are one of the most interesting species of birds. It’s not surprising to find people into lovebirds breeding. But as these birds are somehow delicate, you need to know how you can go about the task with surefire success. To help you in this regard, read the following useful tips.

Get the right pair.

Before you laugh, you need to get a male and female lovebird for mating. While this might sound funny at first, experienced lovebirds breeders would know that it’s very hard to tell love birds apart. Relying on the birds’ physical differences is very tricky. That’s why bird owners need to get a specialized DNA kit to identify the gender of the birds. However, it’s more advisable to have the identification done by professionals. This would help avoid hurting them or worse, creating trauma.

Provide a good and spacious breeding cage.

There are actually two types of breeding you might want to consider. Group breeding means that you would have several pairs in one spacious cage. Meanwhile, those who are just starting out might want to consider traditional breeding which only involves a pair of lovebirds. Whatever the type, you should ensure that the birds have big a cage for playing and flying around. Also, the material of the cage should be evaluated. Some wire mesh for breeding cages can prick the birds’ feet. Ensure that your cage is made for lovebirds breeding by choosing materials that aren’t accident stimulators.

Give the birds enough daylight and food.

Lovebirds aren’t fans of the dark. As such, it’s best that you give them adequate lighting. Some even go as far as putting soft, artificial light in cages. Aside from these, you can prep your lovebirds up for breeding by giving them enough food and water. Give your birds seeds, fresh fruit, and vegetables to keep them nourished. Their water container should have fresh supply every 12 hours. Clean the cage as much as you can. Note also that lovebirds must at least be 10 months old before breeding.

Attach a nesting box.

This shouldn’t be much of a problem as almost all nest boxes you see in stores are compatible with love birds. During lovebirds breeding, the birds fancy putting materials inside their boxes. With this, you have to put non-poisonous twigs from willows and fruit trees near the cage. You’ll see them stripping these twigs and putting them inside the nest box themselves. Some breeders also advise putting some flax leaves everyday as lovebirds use them in their nests as well.

Observe the birds from time to time.

Funny as it might sound, lovebirds also need privacy. Breeding won’t push through if they are continuously watched by people or other birds. You’ll know that breeding has been successful if the female spends longer time in the nesting box. At this point, you need to prep up for more food and water suppliers. Generally, lovebirds lay around four to six eggs. Never inspect the eggs and hatchlings while the birds, particularly the female, are around. Both parents will feed the hatchlings from the food supply you provide them.

Venturing on lovebirds breeding is not difficult as long as you have the heart for it. The trick is to research more about the species.  Other than that, simply enjoy the company of these truly lovable birds.