THE FIRST FEW WEEKS

Here is some special advise to follow during the first few weeks as a new lovebird owner.

• Have your lovebirds examined immediately after arrival by an avian expert (experienced fancier or veterinarian)
• Keep new lovebirds isolated from other lovebirds for at least thirty days, preferably in separate rooms. It is essential to feed, clean and care for your regular stock first to avoid spreading contagious diseases.
• Offer your new lovebirds a chance to relax. Avoid loud noises and harassment from other animals (such as barking dogs). Leave the lovebirds alone as much as possible. Don't show the lovebirds off to each and everyone. Early taming and training is "no-no." Wait until the lovebirds are completely acclimatized to their cage or room aviary and comfortable among people; avoid excessive handling at all times.
• Other hobbyists should wash carefully and change outer clothing before and after visiting your new pets in order to decrease disease spread between aviaries.
• House the lovebirds in a cage, not a round one, as it makes the lovebirds nervous. The cage should be as large as possible - a minimum of 3 feet 3 1/2 inches x 3 feet 2 inches x 2 feet (120 x 95 x 60 cm) - with some perches arranged so that ruffling of tail feathers can be avoided. Place the cage at eye level in a corner; this gives the lovebirds a sense of safety and security.
• Maintain a stable temperature of approximately 80F (27C) during the first 25 - 30 days of new ownership. Use a heat lamp, or better still an infrared lamp. Avoid all sorts of portable heaters (fire risk). After approximately 30 days, lower the heat to room temperature very gradually over a period of 15 to 20 days.

My Tip: Teflon fumes are toxic to lovebirds. Avoid infrared bulbs with Teflon coatings.

• Avoid darfts, but maintain proper ventilation. Ideally, use a box cage, an opaque box contructed of thin metal or wood, with only an open front. It eliminates the danger of drafts and also gives the lovebirds a sense of security.
• Besides providing the food the lovebirds are accustomed to, furnish for 4 days (and only for 4 days!) a high protein stress formula diet that is palatable. Diets that contain Lactobacillus predigested proteins (an easily metabolized source of quick energy), such as 8 in 1 Avilac, are preferable. Never change  diets abruptly; do it gradually over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Abrupt dietary changes often upset the digestive tract and are extremely dangerous.
• Don't provide sand and/or grif for at least 10 to 15 days, as stress conditions and anxiety trigger over eating. This could cause dangerous health problems. Maintain, however, proper hygiene!
• Lovebirds with an extremely nervous behavior-often with almost constant wing flapping - must be wing - clipped in order to prevent serious bodily injuries and mental stress.
• Avoid total darkness at night; provide a small 7-watt night light, so the lovebird is able to find its perch and drink or feed cup at all times. Give the lovebird at least 10 - 12 hours of total rest. Don't forget fresh food and drinking water for the night.
• Avoid insecticides, paint fumes, smoke, open windows, long and direct sunlight (sunstroke), moldy grains, unwashed vegetables and fruits, and spoiled drinking water (use spring water at room temperature).