Tips for lovebirds !

Housing

Fischer’s lovebirds are small but they are very active and should be given plenty of room to move around their cage. Since lovebirds are typically kept in pairs, keep this in mind when purchasing a cage and make it at least 50 percent larger than you would think is appropriate for a single lovebird. They should have at least two perches far enough apart to jump or fly between. A cage for a single lovebird should be at least 18 inches square and for a pair it should be approximately 24 inches square.

The cage should be placed so it is not directly below an air conditioning vent or in a direct sunlight from a window, which could result in overheating. The cage should be in an area of the home where there is much activity. Fischer’s lovebirds are very social and like to be the center of attention.

The cage should have at least two perches. Don’t use sandpaper perch covers as they are very abrasive on the feet. Place one perch near the food and water to allow easy access. Toys should be supplied to keep the bird busy. Single birds also love mirrors and will even court or spar with their image.

Grooming

Fischer’s lovebirds love baths and small bird baths can be purchased that will fit into the door of a standard cage. Fill it with lukewarm water and allow the bird to enter as he chooses. Fischer’s lovebirds can also be bathed by misting with a fine mist spray bottle. They should be bathed twice weekly to maintain excellent plumage.

Wing clipping is essential for initial training of the Fischer’s and will need periodic renewal as the flight feathers are regrown. If you choose to keep your bird flighted, safety concerns include ceiling fans, open toilets, swimming pools, pots on the stove, etc. Escapes can also happen very quickly when a door is suddenly opened and the bird becomes startled and flies out.

Nails should be kept an appropriate length, as overgrown nails can be a hazard as well. They can be clipped with fingernail clippers watching for the quick (vein) inside the nail. In case a nail bleeds after it is cut, you can stop the bleeding by application of Quick Stop. If no such product is available you can stick the nail into a bar of soap, apply flour or cornstarch or you can light a match, blow it out and cauterize the nail on the hot head of the match. Because the birds are so small, control of bleeding is important.

From http://petplace.compuserve.com/arti....asp?artID=2106