The Agapornis care, represent the important and elementary actions that must be fulfilled to give these companions an excellent quality of life, after deciding to adopt them as pets in the home. A complete content is shown in this article. Find out!
Agapornis care
Before starting with lovebird care, it is necessary to establish in order to expand knowledge, certain data, such as these beautiful exotic birds. They come from the African Continent and apart, they are known by the names of:
- inseparable
- Love Parrots
These were attributed to them thanks to the behavior they show of mating with a single partner. In which loyalty, affection and attachment is one of the bird characteristics Agapornis essential for its existence.
The word Agapornis is derived from two Greek expressions, which are:
- Agapes: whose meaning is "love" or "affection".
- Ornis: which refers to the "bird", that is, designates the animal.
Being the set, "Aves del Amor", which is the perfect complement to describe them, because their special development is based on being in a couple, very close to each other. Curled up and very aware of the reciprocal grooming, having as a habitual practice the fact of grooming.
As for its taxonomy, it is a genus of psittaciform birds (Psittaciformes), of the Psittaculidae family. They are distinguished by being a small parrot (between 12,5 centimeters and 16 centimeters). It comprises 9 species, which are: canus, fischeri, lilianae, nigrigenis, personata, pullarius, roseicollis, swinderniana and taranta. They have a beautiful colorful plumage and their tail is short.
It is identified as one of the longest-lived birds, in which its life time can range between 12 and 15 years, if they receive proper and correct care. The female is slightly larger, with the beak and head proportional to the size, while the male is more stylized and smaller, with adequate proportions. Where to provide them with a comfortable, pleasant, stimulating and lasting life, they will need the following, as essential and consequent, care of the Lovebird:
Recognition daily
This important action is what makes it possible to verify the behavior of the bird, which is a reflection of its state of mind. Apart from establishing a contact that suggests trust and company, where it is also the means to appreciate, if you are in good health and comfortable with the environment. It should be noted that, as with other birds, it is a bit difficult to check with the naked eye if it has any health ailment.
Therefore, this recognition in relation to the lovebird care, will allow to verify if it eats its food with desire, if its plumage is complete and equally colorful and showy. If the number of bowel movements is normal, if he is happy, active, if his eyes have a normal appearance without inflammation. Where it is essential to observe if your breathing presents any alteration, because this is the initial symptom that something is wrong.
If you observe any anomaly, it is recommended to consult with the trusted veterinarian or if, on the contrary, everything is in order. You just have to continue with the routine and enjoy the company of this beautiful bird.
Protect them from Plants or Objects
These birds are very curious and have a facility for attracting the environment. So his cage should be as far away as possible from any object that is in danger. This is because they have the ability to take what is close to them. It is also important to be clear that there are many ornamental plants, tree plants, as well as flowers and even fruits. That for these pets they represent a potential reason for intoxication or poisoning if they ingest them.
It is strictly necessary that, for example, they are away from flowers such as: lilies, tulips, calla lilies and daffodils. Plants such as common fern and poison ivy. The bark of cherry and oak, as well as avocado that has not yet achieved its maturation. Because all these are some of the examples that represent high toxicity for them.
Maintain Continuous Communication
Amongst the lovebird care, it is of vital significance that continuous communication with this pet is maintained, as is the case with other pets. Because this provides them with emotional well-being, along with the ease of adapting to the environment in which they find themselves. Prevailing trust in people that is part of their environment.
This also allows them to have a better development, for which it is essential to show them tolerance, conformity, appreciation and sympathy. Because they depend on people and if they feel all these benefits they will be able to experience the protection, well-being and serenity they need.
Talking to them with affection provides them that they no longer feel distrust (if any), knowing for others that these birds, even if they are smaller parrots. They do not have the ability, capacity or ease to speak, so they will communicate through the emanation of noises as a reproduction of what they hear, what is said to them.
Provide them with a balanced diet
The lovebirds, like the others Types of birds They need a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. That by supplying them with a healthy diet full of nutrients, the part related to vitamins and minerals is a complement that can be added to what is available on the market for them.
There is a wide variety of grains, of which you should choose those with little fat. Trying as much as possible to avoid sunflower seeds or pipes because they are high in fat and harm them, more if they are given in excess. It is only possible to give them eventually as a reward. The cuttlefish bone or its similar is very necessary so that its beak is kept in good condition, being also excellent in terms of calcium.
Among the vegetables and fruits that can be consumed are: carrot, apple, cucumber, watermelon, pear, tomato, orange, red and green paprika. Zucchini, papaya, strawberry, tangerine, corn, apricot, bean, kiwi, melon, lettuce, mango, cauliflower, pomegranate, broccoli, chard and cooked spinach, cooked tuber, among others.
They can also be given chickpeas, bread, rice, boiled egg, lentils and couscous. Taking the forecast that all those previously named must be under moderate portions so that they do not produce a laxative effect. There is also the facility of breeding paste, which is a food supplement. Excellent for times when they are most worn out (breeding process, molting or chick development), as well as seed mixtures, a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Allow them to sunbathe
Sunbathing is essential for both people and animals and plants, and this is one of the lovebird care necessary to execute. Taking care to move the cage to an airy place, but without currents, where the incidence of the Sun is not so drastic and the temperature is permissible. That is, it must be at a time when the intensity is mild, such as early in the day and also for a not so long time.
Taking the precaution of placing the cage in a place that is not close to the elements described in the section of "protecting them from plants or objects", mentioned above.
A Proper and Clean Cage
The perfect cage for the lovebird is one that has a good space, with toys, bells or rattles available. Swings, slats that simulate tree branches, which must be of different sizes and a mirror. It is also essential that apart from the common water container or trough (which is only for drinking), a wide container is placed with clean water, which serves as a bathing place.
They should also be provided with the right size bowl or feeder with the food so that it is easy for them to take the food without being restricted by space. All the utensils, that is, containers and toys, together with the cage, must be cleaned daily, which guarantees a clean internal environment without any contamination.
On the other hand, for the base it is advisable to place a special paper or soil, so that it is easier to collect the defecation. Remembering that maintenance is what allows them to help them in the prevention of intestinal and respiratory diseases. This is because both the feathers, as well as food remains, shells together with the feces, constitute an environment that is not conducive to their health.
Provide them with a good toilet
These little parrots like to take a shower in between toilets and supplying them with the right bowl of clean water allows them to do so. But this one should only be in the cage for a while, preferably in the morning, because they will surely defecate in it and the water will become contaminated, not suitable for drinking. So if you eat it you can get sick.
This procedure can be done every morning or every two or three days, because for them it is very pleasant, although there are others who do not like the idea of taking a shower and have to help themselves with a sprinkler. That is, give them a wet from a distance that serves as a toilet along with common grooming.
allow them to fly
Amongst the lovebird care, necessary for them to have a good quality of life is the fact of allowing them to fly, because that is part of the essence of the bird. This activity is not mandatory to be daily, but with some regularity.
Before carrying out this task for them, the foresight should be taken to close the doors and windows. As well as collecting all the objects with which they can harm themselves or that out of curiosity they try to consume. Above all, be very aware of plants that are toxic to these birds. Therefore, respecting these forecasts, the Lovebirds will be happy to take their flight, which is also an exercise that benefits their health, their whole body will be activated and they will feel happier than ever.
Watch for Playback
In order for the reproduction of this species of Birds, it is necessary to take into account certain factors that, in addition to being important, are decisive. The first thing is to know what will be done with the offspring, one should not have offspring if it is not clear what will be done later. The second thing is to be fully sure that the couple is made up of parrots of the same species and that they are not relatives under any circumstances.
Having these answers and if the existence of offspring is still desired, the third and last thing is to provide them with a nest, which has a box-shaped figure. Within this, a special nesting material must be placed, which can be from the most basic, such as palm leaves, willow branches, among others. In which the limitation is that they are always green, that is, fresh, because in this way there is the existence of humidity. Which has the particularity of being special for the complete nesting process to be carried out and to have the young.
Keep them a constant company
One of the main needs of these Agapornis birds, for a long and healthy quality of life, is to maintain the stability of the couple. Therefore, the partner is essential, which must be of the same species so that there is a fair and precise connection. Being accepted by them, they remain in the same cage, depending on the capacity, two or more pairs.
Having to take the foresight to take extreme cleaning and protection care, because the more they are in the cage, the greater the dedication to having them. In addition, it is necessary to be aware that a nest must be provided for each pair if they are to be allowed the opportunity to reproduce and/or nest. So that there is a healthy, pleasant and energetic coexistence.
Apart from this, it must be taken into account that when one of the members of the couple dies, the replacement must be acquired quickly. Because otherwise, due to sadness and loneliness, the one who was left alone will also die.
Nail Cutting and Beak Filing
Amongst the lovebird care, it is found that it is necessary that they have long nails that allow them to stay on the branches, toys and bars of the cage. Therefore, if they do not meet these requirements, they could fall and hurt themselves, without any need. This action can be carried out at home with the use of a nail clipper for cats, where what is necessary is to hold it very well to avoid making the cut in an inappropriate or accidental way.
When for some reason a change in color is observed in their extremities or when they cannot support themselves. You should go immediately to the veterinarian, who is the specialist in determining what has happened to him and taking the pertinent action.
Regarding the peak, its excessive growth can cause a serious inconvenience at the time of its usual feeding. Naturally, these are executed by filing the beak using waxes and cuttlefish bones, available at bird supply stores. Giving them hard bread also offers this powerful advantage of filing, but when these are not necessary for this purpose, it is the veterinarian who must act.
Practicing a filing after applying a general anesthesia, keeping in mind that this exercise should be performed as little as possible. Therefore, it is better to try to solve it with the natural resources indicated above so that there is no future damage to the appreciated pet.
How is the Personality of the Lovebirds?
The personality that indicates that these exotic pets are happy and in good health, in the environment that provides them with a home and also company. It is based on their day-to-day behaviors showing:
- Joy.
- Energy.
- Play with your objects.
- They move inside the cage.
- They imitate noises.
- Be affectionate or sociable.
- Have an appetite.
- The stools look normal and in common amounts.
- Fly (when granted).
- Allow contact with the human, among others.
What are the Diseases that Represent Agapornis Care?
Common diseases in which extreme care should be taken lovebird care
To be Treated by a Veterinarian
Among the usual ones are:
- Conjunctivitis: In this an inflammation is visualized in the eyelids of the eyes, specifically in its inner membrane. Before which, they keep their eyes closed, with rheum or mucus and irritation.
- Respiratory Acariasis: This disease is caused by mites and affects your airways. Bearing that they stay in his throat, also reproducing on this site. They can be seen this disease by unusual tiredness, numbness, excessive growth of hollowed out feathers. Strange and loud noises that come out of your breathing, prevailing an inconvenience in it.
- Cold and Pneumonia: Exposing these beautiful exotic birds to air currents, with strong changes in temperature, leads to them getting sick with a cold and pneumonia if it gets worse. Where it is possible that they have it, if they notice strong congestion in their breathing, tiredness, accumulation of mucus in the nostrils. Cupped feathers, little desire to eat and peeling of the eyelids.
- diarrhea: The appearance of this, in these Types of animals, is due to the food provided to them, just as as a second option is the accommodation of some intestinal parasite, bacteria, among others. Which can be seen by having the cage with an increased amount of feces, generally with a color between greenish and yellowish and much more liquid than usual. Apart from the cloaca (hole through which they defecate), it is constantly moist, reddish and inflamed.
What can be solved at home?
Among the common diseases or ailments, which represent lovebird care, are the following:
- Constipation: This drawback occurs when the food they are given is not balanced. Bringing the consequence that it is impossible for them to excrete feces. So if you appreciate this difficulty and also have a swollen belly and recurrent tremors. They should be provided with enough clean water and fruits, as well as vegetables and greens. That helps them to hydrate the stool and subsequent expulsion.
- Abnormal molt: The shedding of feathers is a common characteristic of lovebirds, but it can also appear if they feel stressed. Likewise, if they are deficient in vitamins in their diet or if the cage area is lacking in hygiene. Another reason may be the climate change that you experience in your environment. Therefore, a site must be available that maintains temperature stability that does not affect them.