The most popular pet lovebird species are not sexually dimorphic. This means you cannot simply look at a peachfaced, masked, or Fisher's lovebird and know its sex. The only exception is when you have a bird that carries a sex-linked mutation and you know which parent carried this particular gene. Because of this, purchasing a specific sex is not easy, although some breeders will do a DNA test for an extra charge if you are set on a male or female, one of sites who provides DNA sexing Avian Biotech International. While lovebirds near a year of age can show certain signs or behaviors that indicate sex, this is not always reliable. Even the most experienced lovebird breeders have difficulty determining sex during the first few months of a lovebird's life.
Male lovebirds do have a reputation for being easier to keep tame and less likely to bite. However, female lovebirds kept singly as pets are more likely to talk than are male lovebirds.

For both sexes, some hormone issues can come into play when the lovebird reaches maturity. For males, this can be regurgitating for the owner whom they consider the mate. They will often rub themselves on perches and toys as well. This is harmless behavior. However, some people are bothered by it, especially if the lovebird seems to act out these sexual behaviors obsessively. Hens determined to breed will sometimes lay eggs on the bottom of the cage and become territorial. This is an instinct to protect the nest. Some measures can be taken to prevent this from getting out of hand. A good idea is to have a cage with a grated bottom to keep hens separated from the lining. Otherwise, they may use these materials to build a nest in the cage. Giving a hen a sleeping hut or other hiding area is also not a good idea because they will often turn this into a nest and can become very aggressive in protecting this territory. Spring tends to be the time when sexual behavior increases. Many pet bird keepers will cover the cage with a dark, bird-safe cover in the evening and remove it when they wake in the morning. This ensures that the lovebird gets plenty of dark sleep and can also simulate the shorter hours of winter, thus short-circuiting the mating cycle. By making sure the lovebird gets 10 to 12 hours of dark sleep time, you can often reduce springtime hormonal behavior.

Lovebirds of both sexes can make excellent pets if the proper steps are taken to keep your bird tame and socialized. This means creating a strong bond where you are charge and giving consistent cues so your bird understands the rules. Cage territoriality can be dramatically reduced by always using the step-up command when removing your lovebird from the cage. This is preferable to allowing the lovebird to wander out on its own. These issues will be discussed in more detail in Behavior and Training