Lovebirds are African Parrots. They have the ability of strong, attractive pair bonds that they form with their partners. Lovebirds bond for their life. They are also known as Pocket Parrots. Their life expectancy is 10 to 15 years. They are intelligent parrots. There are about 290,000 different species of lovebirds found in every corner of the world. African, Peach faced and Captive lovebirds are the most attractive breeds of lovebirds.
In this article, I will tell you:
- Steps for breeding lovebirds
- Their mating season and age
- Selection of lovebirds for breeding
- How do you know lovebirds are ready for breeding?
- How do you pair lovebirds?
- How can you motivate lovebirds to breed?
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s start without wasting time!
Breeding Lovebirds-Is A Correct Decision?
Breeding lovebirds depends on your interest. It has two different sides. On the one hand, it is expensive and tiring. It needs education and training. They are available in different colors. They are very jolly. They take time to bond.
Lovebird Species
The names of lovebird species include:
- Fischers Lovebirds
- Black Masked Lovebirds
- Peachface Lovebirds
- Red-Faced Lovebirds
- Black Collared Lovebirds
- Nyasa Lovebirds
- Black Winged Lovebirds
- Lilian’s Lovebirds
- Rosy-Faced Lovebirds
Mating Season
Different parrot species mate in different seasons. Generally, the optimal time and temperature for lovebirds to mate is spring season. The temperature is normal for them to lay eggs.
Selection Of Lovebirds For Breeding
As a parrot owner, you must select only those breeding lovebirds. They are healthier as they bring healthier chicks.
African lovebirds
African lovebirds breed at the mid-summer or dry season. 200,000 species are found worldwide.
Peach-Faced Lovebirds
Peach-Faced Lovebirds mate in the summer season. Their population reaches million.
Captive Lovebirds
Captive Lovebirds can breed at any time an in any month of the year.
When Lovebirds Are Ready To Breed?
They are likely to breed after:
- Making a nest or a nest box.
- Sharing branches of trees.
- Maintaining helps to maintain appearance.
- Cleaning feathers through the beak.
Through the behavior explained, females can bond with their mate.
How To Pair Lovebirds?
For mating, a pair of lovebirds must bond. Try to buy a breeder pair. Adult love birds take time to interact with each other as compared to small lovebirds. Keep the males and females lovebirds in the same cage for 7 to 9 days. Put a breeding box in the cage and keep an eye on them and you find two birds in the same cage. 80% are the chances that they are of the opposite sex.
Another method is to put two cages close to each other. Place males and females in different cages. After 10 days, combine the cages of both males and females. They will pair.
Age Of Breeding Lovebirds
The suitable age for breeding is 6 months but if you want good results then 10 months is the good age.
Steps For Breeding Lovebirds
When lovebirds are ready, nature will do its work. Two lovebirds will mate if you follow these steps.
Step 1
The first step is to ensure that both lovebirds are of the opposite sex. One is male and the other is female. For breeding it is necessary that both are of opposite sex, if they are same they can not reproduce.
A lovebird breeding guide will provide the information you need. Polymerase Chain Reaction DNA testing is a breeding test. It is easy if you have no information about breeding process. It is an online service. You will need only the DNA samples which will used to check X and Y chromosomes.
Step 2
The second step is to ensure the health of breeding lovebirds. Before introducing them to each other, take them to the veterinarian for a health check-up. Healthy lovebirds breed with much ease.
If health issues arise, then don’t start the breeding process. There are many hereditary diseases. It will passed to their chicks and lead to infertility.
Step 3
The third step is to provide more healthier and nutritious food. Calcium is required by female pair for egg production. If a female doesn’t get enough calcium, then it will lead to several issues. It includes osteoporosis, which results in breakdown. of bones. Soft-shelled eggs is the basic cause of low calcium level in the body.
Step 4
Enough light is necessary for lovebirds to breed. They usually mate in the spring season when days are bright. Sunlight is necessary for parrots for light absorption. If you cover the cage early then it will disturb hormones. Always place the cage in a sunny place for a day.
Step 5
The fifth step is preparing a nesting box. Lovebirds will lay eggs in dark places such as trees and logs. The nesting box is made of solid material. It has a size of 12 inches from each side. The entrance of the box must be 3 inches. You should provide the lining material.
How To Know That Lovebirds Are Mating?
Male lovebirds come towards the female from behind and place one foot on the female to hold her. Then, both open their wings to maintain balance. If the breeding is successful, the sperm is transferred from the male cloaca into the female oviduct, and the egg is formed. This is the step that close males with their females.
How Many Times Lovebirds Breed?
At optimal temperatures, they can mate several times a year. It is common for lovebirds to lay eggs 5 to 6 times a year. After 10 days of mating, female partner will lay 4 to 7 eggs. Female lovebirds cannot lay all eggs at a time. She lays an egg after every 24 to 48 hours.
What Lovebirds Do After Mating?
After mating, the female lovebird is less attractive towards her mate. Male lovebirds become more protective of food. Mating causes the lower calcium level in females. It affects egg laying ability females.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can You Motivate Your Lovebird To Breed?
Privacy, care and safety are two most key factors for any type of parrot to breed and lovebirds. Maintaining temperature at 25-26 degree centigrade. Also maintains humidity about 45-55% and putting palm fronds helps lovebirds to breed.
Which Lovebird Species Breeds The Most In A Year?
Peach-Faced Lovebirds breed the most in a year. This is due to their prolific nature. They are also known for their adaptable nature. They have higher tolerance for different environmental conditions.
How To Know That Lovebirds Are Mating?
The best way to recognize them is to keep an eye on what they are doing and look at the nesting box. If you see that palm fronds are being used by lovebirds, then your lovebirds are about to mate. They produce off springs.
Which Time Lovebirds Take To Lay Eggs After Mating?
After mating, count for up to 10 days. A female lovebird lays 4 to 6 eggs after few days. Once female pair finishes laying eggs, both breeding lovebirds will incubate their eggs. It is for up to 25 days.
In Which Months Lovebirds Breed?
Rainy season is suitable for wild lovebirds to mate. While in custody, they can mate and lay eggs all around the year under normal temperatures. So, the weather is the most important factor for the mating season. It makes easier and safer for lovebirds to mate.
Do Lovebirds Mate for Life?
Yes, lovebirds mate for life. They form strong and monogamous bonds. They typically mate for life. After choosing a partner, they form affectionate behaviors. It includes preening, feeding each other and staying close together. Their bond helps them while breeding, raising chicks and overall companionship. However, if a mate is lost, they accept a new partner.
Conclusion
As a parrot owner, the full responsibility lies on your shoulder. To ensure a successful breeding process. It is responsibility of owner to ensure the breeding experience as successful process.
As a parrot owner, if you have no experience, read the magazines and articles. It guides breeding process in detail. Give time to lovebirds to become familiar with each other.
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I’m Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I’ve been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I’m not a bird doctor, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them.
My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center.
My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends’ lives as joyful and healthy as possible!