How to tell when Lovebirds are ready to breed?

[Indy]

During the holiday break at my company, I adopted two beautiful four month old blue-green "hooded lovebirds" from a pet store. These are the first pets I have ever owned since childhood.

Depending on the angle of U.V. cage lighting and levels of room lighting as they move around their cage, their colors fluctuate from pulsating shades of neon blue to emerald green. Their changing colors sort of remind me of an Alexandrite gem stone that changes colors in various lighting or even angles of light. When I saw them in the store it was obvious they were so in love, preening each other so affectionately. Their beauty is simply mesmerizing.

Over the course of two weeks, they are now engaging in every form of affection and look like one single entity when sleeping at night. The male regurgitates food into the female's mouth. It occurred to me that I better be ready for inevitable baby lovebirds! I purchased a lovebird breeding box and it arrived a few days ago (with see-thru window). I'm ready as they are for the big day.

The question is what are the signs the female lovebird is pregnant and ready to lay her eggs? I want to have the breeding box ready and the nesting material available when this occurs, but not before then.

Next, does the lack of nesting space delay breeding, or does mother nature take her course regardless of whether the environment is prepared for nesting?

A few side questions:

1. Are there bird organizations that provide the names of those interested in adopting baby lovebirds in the vicinity of one's geographic location?
   
2. My area is lush and surrounded with hills and there's a melting pot of exotic birds from tiny finches to colorful parrots to the resident eagles and owls. It's as if pet birds from even the Amazon have escaped from their cages and flock together at bird feeders locally. What climate conditions are suitable for lovebirds to thrive year-round outdoors, and is it even advisable to release lovebirds into the wild?
   
3. At what age are baby lovebirds ready for adoption or freedom?
   
4. Are there any good books about breeding and caring for lovebirds? I'm concerned about the balance of giving the lovebirds space to breed without interruption, and tending to possible problems (such as sterile eggs and still-borns)?
   
5. How do you safely catch a lovebird if it escapes into the house? I ordered a 12 inch diameter bird net (48 inches in length) on a pole for this purpose. I hate to have their wings trimmed because an escaped bird with clipped wings is not a pretty sight (as it jumps everywhere in a panic). I figure that if God forbid they escape from the house, at least they have a fighting chance to survive! (Hopefully this never happens!)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, insights and information!

[MiloMacaw]

I can answer a few questions but im sure someone else will go into much better detail.

Unless you live in Africa and have a captive breed for release program, you should never release them into the wild. First of all it's illegal as they can set up colonies and then be destroyed (See, quakers, in 3-4 different states) and it's also very dangerous for the birds who were raised in a totally different enviornment.

BirdsnWays Guide to Pet Birds, Parrots & Exotic Birds Care & Breeding. Breeders, classifieds, products & information. Macaws, cockatoos, cockatiels, amazons is a good place to go to list your babies for adoption. You can also try running an add in a local paper, or craigslist is popular.

If your babies are only four months old, I would not allow them to breed. Normally they do not become ready to bread until 6-7 months, but they should not be allowed to breed until at least a year old. Much better for their health. I would not give them a nesting box or any supplies until then, to prevent breeding. They really should not breed unless they have a nesting site.

If you do breed, baby lovebirds are ready to leave the nest a week or so after fledging. Usually a good time is 3-4 months old, unless you want to pull them at 2-3 weeks and handfeed, but that is risky and a little dangerous if you have never done it before and don't have anyone to show you.

Lovebirds don't HAVE to breed, if you do have a male/female pair, it might be better to just keep them as friends and not let them breed, or boil her eggs if she does breed and then give them back to her. She'll never know the difference ;)

Forgot to mention: check African Love Bird Society lovebirds agapornis and Parrots Senegals Amazons Lovebirds at Parrot Parrot for more information, tons of good info.

Good luck, sounds like you have pretty babies!

Edit: You do have pretty babies, I saw them on the other post :D

[Indy]

Originally Posted by MiloMacaw

I can answer a few questions but im sure someone else will go into much better detail.

Unless you live in Africa and have a captive breed for release program, you should never release them into the wild. First of all it's illegal as they can set up colonies and then be destroyed (See, quakers, in 3-4 different states) and it's also very dangerous for the birds who were raised in a totally different enviornment.

I'm glad you brought this to my attention, so I can give the babies away if they breed.

There is a famous colony of wild parrots in San Francisco up near Coit Tower. They even made a movie about this colony that formed when domestic parrots escaped decades ago. I would think such colonies would be viewed as national treasures to be observed by bird lovers and enjoyed. If the birds are in wild colonies couldn't the case be made they managed to adapt successfully, therefore, they are not suffering but flourishing like this San Francisco colony?

However, perhaps the case has been made these birds pose a threat to the local ecosystem or in some way suffer inhumanely? Maybe they determined the San Francisco colony was anomalous although they normally "destroy" such colonies. I would appreciate your insights on why these laws exist if the birds have adapted after the fact of their release (as evidenced by the existence of a colony)?

Of course knowing this, I wouldn't want to endanger these sweet little things and would prefer to find them good homes.

Originally Posted by MiloMacaw

BirdsnWays Guide to Pet Birds, Parrots & Exotic Birds Care & Breeding. Breeders, classifieds, products & information. Macaws, cockatoos, cockatiels, amazons is a good place to go to list your babies for adoption. You can also try running an add in a local paper, or craigslist is popular.

Thanks for the book referral. My sister suggested Craiglist but I heard on the local news in the San Francisco bay area about crimes committed against a few people selling cars or other things. It's supposedly a nightmare for the head of Craigslist. I don't have time to search but I'm confident if I searched for the keywords "Craigslist" and "crime" these recent news stories would appear. As a result of these news stories, I would never have strangers over to the house. Hopefully I can get around this limitation since I realize potential lovebird adopters might want to see the birds in person first (as opposed to adopting strictly by photos). I suppose that I could offer to bring the birds to them if they're fairly sure from a series of high-res photos, that they wish to adopt these birds.

Originally Posted by MiloMacaw

If your babies are only four months old, I would not allow them to breed. Normally they do not become ready to bread until 6-7 months, but they should not be allowed to breed until at least a year old. Much better for their health. I would not give them a nesting box or any supplies until then, to prevent breeding. They really should not breed unless they have a nesting site.

So I'm gathering from what you're saying that a female lovebird will not get "pregnant" and drop her eggs to the cage floor, but that she has the ability to avoid having eggs until an adequate nesting is available. Is my understanding of what you said (reading between the lines a little) correct?

Originally Posted by MiloMacaw

If you do breed, baby lovebirds are ready to leave the nest a week or so after fledging. Usually a good time is 3-4 months old, unless you want to pull them at 2-3 weeks and handfeed, but that is risky and a little dangerous if you have never done it before and don't have anyone to show you.

That raises another question in my mind, as to whether there is sufficient demand out there for baby lovebirds not handfed (which I understand means they are difficult to hold or remove from the cage)?

Do you know if there are there organizations that take baby lovebirds if no home can be found for them? If I decide to let them breed thinking the chicks will find a home, and nobody adopts them (or one of them remains unadopted) are there organizations that will take them?

Also, are there any areas in the United States where unadopted lovebirds can be released safely into the wild, into a "sanctuary" environment where they can live their lives safely?

Originally Posted by MiloMacaw

Lovebirds don't HAVE to breed, if you do have a male/female pair, it might be better to just keep them as friends and not let them breed, or boil her eggs if she does breed and then give them back to her. She'll never know the difference ;)

Are you saying its possible she will lay eggs even without a nesting site?

Assuming you're saying the female lovebird will lay eggs without a nesting site, let's assume that I want to breed the lovebirds but don't put out nesting materials in time, and she lays eggs on the bottom of the cage? Do I just build a make-shift nest in a lovebird nesting box, and place the box in the cage, or should I just hard-boil her eggs as you suggested?

Part of my problem is I equate these lovebirds to human behavior so closely (because they are like two human lovers in their behavior, in many respects). So the idea of her having her first babies is an emotional idea, and it seems rather "unceremonious" to hard-boil her eggs (since I can't get it out of my mind she views those eggs like a human mother views her infant, even though I realize this isn't likely the case). I would be all crying and sad if I had to boil them, and watching her eat them would seem weird. Obviously I'm a rank amateur so bear with me.

Originally Posted by MiloMacaw

Forgot to mention: check African Love Bird Society lovebirds agapornis and Parrots Senegals Amazons Lovebirds at Parrot Parrot for more information, tons of good info.

Good luck, sounds like you have pretty babies!

Edit: You do have pretty babies, I saw them on the other post :D

Thanks! They are cute especially when the male does a "virtuoso performance" for the female, sitting on a higher perch and chirping for her while she leans her head toward him and dozes off to sleep.

If I ever get pictures of moments like that, I'll post them. The problem is these two lovebirds are camera shy, and when I raise a camera they often look up and then separate (walk away from one another, or sometimes the male hides behind the female while she increases her plumage to apparently try to hide the male. Then she stares at me like she's saying "don't even try to harm my man"!

I caught this rare photo of them together, when they didn't know I was taking a photo. They would be very cross with me if they knew I shared it.

[MiloMacaw]

There is a famous colony of wild parrots in San Francisco up near Coit Tower. They even made a movie about this colony that formed when domestic parrots escaped decades ago. I would think such colonies would be viewed as national treasures to be observed by bird lovers and enjoyed. If the birds are in wild colonies couldn't the case be made they managed to adapt successfully, therefore, they are not suffering but flourishing like this San Francisco colony?

Unfortuantly, they aren't viewed that way. It's the exact same situation as in florida, where there are various colonies of exotic birds, and iguanas, and other species. Introducing non-native species disrupt the balance of the natural enviornment. There aren't enough predators, they can be destructive, and they take away from food sources for natural species. In some states, small flocks can be monitored and protected. But for a prolific breeder such as a lovebird, the result could be devestating. Quakers are also prolific breeder, and in texas, georgia, florida etc there are wild colonies. These have become such a "problem" that they are being destroyed; captured and euthenized. The case has been made, by bird lovers everywhere, to save these birds, because it's not their fault they were released and forced to survive. But unfortunatly, there's not much that can be done.

Thanks for the book referral. My sister suggested Craiglist but I heard on the local news in the San Francisco bay area about crimes committed against a few people selling cars or other things. It's supposedly a nightmare for the head of Craigslist. I don't have time to search but I'm confident if I searched for the keywords "Craigslist" and "crime" these recent news stories would appear. As a result of these news stories, I would never have strangers over to the house. Hopefully I can get around this limitation since I realize potential lovebird adopters might want to see the birds in person first (as opposed to adopting strictly by photos). I suppose that I could offer to bring the birds to them if they're fairly sure from a series of high-res photos, that they wish to adopt these birds.

Craigslist can be tough- especially the San Francisco one. I have heard of problems with that as well- it might be better to just stick to adds in the paper. As for books, there are a few out there that you can find, I got some off ebay the other day that I like. But those websites I gave you keep the best and current info I can find.

So I'm gathering from what you're saying that a female lovebird will not get "pregnant" and drop her eggs to the cage floor, but that she has the ability to avoid having eggs until an adequate nesting is available. Is my understanding of what you said (reading between the lines a little) correct?

Without the ability to build a nest (no nesting materials or nest box) MOST lovebirds will not breed. It's not that she will withhold eggs, it's that they will just decide this isn't the place to breed.

That raises another question in my mind, as to whether there is sufficient demand out there for baby lovebirds not handfed (which I understand means they are difficult to hold or remove from the cage)?

If you got your babies from a petstore, most likely they were parent raised. Hand raising does not necessarily guarentee a friendly bird, nor does parent raising necessarily indicate a fearful bird. A lot of the best birds are parent raised but human socialized- meaning you let the parents do all the work, feeding and teaching, but you take the babies out of the box every day and play with them and get them used to you. Sometimes hand feeding means just that, a few minutes every day being held and fed, then put back in the box. Thats a lot less socializing then letting the parents rear the chicks but playing and nurturing the babies yourself.

Do you know if there are there organizations that take baby lovebirds if no home can be found for them? If I decide to let them breed thinking the chicks will find a home, and nobody adopts them (or one of them remains unadopted) are there organizations that will take them?

There are rescues, but if there was a severe emergancy most petstores will take them or really, a small adoption fee of $15 or so will usually guarentee homes are found. You can also always contact breeders. but again, I wouldn't let them breed if you didn't already have a plan!

Also, are there any areas in the United States where unadopted lovebirds can be released safely into the wild, into a "sanctuary" environment where they can live their lives safely?

I dont know- somewhere in the US there might be a large free flight aviary somewhere, but I don't know

Are you saying its possible she will lay eggs even without a nesting site?

It's possible- some hens do, sometimes infertile, sometimes fertile. If they make a nest in their food dish or on the floor, or somewhere. Again, it's much more unlikely that they will, but it is possible. For the hen's protection, you would want to boil the eggs and give them back to her (to sit on, not to eat) until she looses interest and then discretly remove them. If you just took them away and didn't give them back, then she would just continue to lay.

Assuming you're saying the female lovebird will lay eggs without a nesting site, let's assume that I want to breed the lovebirds but don't put out nesting materials in time, and she lays eggs on the bottom of the cage? Do I just build a make-shift nest in a lovebird nesting box, and place the box in the cage, or should I just hard-boil her eggs as you suggested?

I would hardboil them- because there's just so many questions on whether or not you would like to hatch babies. The other question I haven't raised yet is are these birds related- if you purchased them at the same store from the same shipment, there's a good chance they are brother and sister, and you really don't want them breeding. There's also a good chance they are not male and female unless they were DNA sexed as so. Lovebirds are not sexually dimorphic, so there's no way to look and tell. Babies will feed each other and snuggle and preen as well, so that's not always a good indicator.

Part of my problem is I equate these lovebirds to human behavior so closely (because they are like two human lovers in their behavior, in many respects). So the idea of her having her first babies is an emotional idea, and it seems rather "unceremonious" to hard-boil her eggs (since I can't get it out of my mind she views those eggs like a human mother views her infant, even though I realize this isn't likely the case). I would be all crying and sad if I had to boil them, and watching her eat them would seem weird. Obviously I'm a rank amateur so bear with me.

We all like to think of our lovebirds as out kids and they are! But you also want to remember that they aren't human, and don't have the same concepts. It's an emotional idea for you to see her have babies, but for them it's really just complex hormones working their scientific instincts, and if you can remember that and follow through, you'll be ok. It would be hard to boil eggs- I did it with some tiels I had once and it was rough, but they adjusted just fine, and in the end I was very glad I did. And as far as eating theres no eating! when I say give them back, I mean put them back in the nest for her to sit on. She will realize they are not fertile on her own time and abandon them and then you can safely remove them. But if you just take them and throw them away, you will likely cause her to start laying again.


They are very pretty little blue masks- that's my favorite color. I have one boy like that and I find myself staring at him sometimes for long periods of time. I'm sure he thinks im a lunatic.

[Eliza]

It sounds as if you have purchased a young pair of masked lovebirds. They are indeed a beautiful species and come in a variety of gorgeous mutations (colors).

My area is lush and surrounded with hills and there's a melting pot of exotic birds from tiny finches to colorful parrots to the resident eagles and owls. It's as if pet birds from even the Amazon have escaped from their cages and flock together at bird feeders locally. What climate conditions are suitable for lovebirds to thrive year-round outdoors, and is it even advisable to release lovebirds into the wild?

Please do not under ANY circumstances release any pet parrot into the wild. Yes, accidents happen no matter what precautions you take but it is not fair to the parrot in question to be released to fend for itself in the wild. There are thriving colonies of FERAL lovebirds in the world outside of their native Africa. Sure, it's fun to see pictures of peach-faced lovebird amongst the cacti in the Arizona suburbs but there is the chance that they are causing harm to the native flora and fauna. Not to mention that these birds are at risk of attack by predator species, such as hawks. They are also at risk of succumbing to disease OR spreading disease.

Are there any good books about breeding and caring for lovebirds? I'm concerned about the balance of giving the lovebirds space to breed without interruption, and tending to possible problems (such as sterile eggs and still-borns)?

One of the best lovebird books out there is The Lovebird Handbook by Vera Appleyard (Barron is the publisher). If you are only going to read one lovebird book, that would be the one. She also has her own website with information about lovebirds and other parrots: Parrots Senegals Amazons Lovebirds at Parrot Parrot.

You may also wish to visit the ALBS website. The ALBS is made up of lovebird hobbyists and exhibitors in the US. There are resources for breeding, exhibiting and pet ownership: African Love Bird Society lovebirds agapornis.

Lovebirds Plus Aviary has proven to be an invaluable resource to me as the caretaker of a companion lovebird.

How do you safely catch a lovebird if it escapes into the house? I ordered a 12 inch diameter bird net (48 inches in length) on a pole for this purpose. I hate to have their wings trimmed because an escaped bird with clipped wings is not a pretty sight (as it jumps everywhere in a panic). I figure that if God forbid they escape from the house, at least they have a fighting chance to survive! (Hopefully this never happens!

There are many arguments for and against the trimming of flight feathers. One the one hand, allowing a bird to fly is a beautiful and beneficial thing. On the other hand, if not properly socialized or supervised, the bird is at risk of injury and escape. Exercise extreme caution when servicing the cage to minimize escape. Make sure that all windows and doors are closed when you are allowing the birds free time out of the cage. I personally do not recommend catching a bird with a net unless all other options (letting the bird return the cage on his or her own, for example) are exhausted or there is an immediate need to get the bird out of harm’s way. Chasing after a bird with a net can be a frightening and traumatic experience.

Over the course of two weeks, they are now engaging in every form of affection and look like one single entity when sleeping at night. The male regurgitates food into the female's mouth. It occurred to me that I better be ready for inevitable baby lovebirds! I purchased a lovebird breeding box and it arrived a few days ago (with see-thru window). I'm ready as they are for the big day.

Four months old is FAR too young for them to be mating and raising young. Do you know their genetic history? Are you indeed sure that you have a male or female pair (e.g where they surgically sexed? Genetically sexed)? I would strongly caution against allowing this pair (assuming that they are indeed a male+female pair) to raise young. You don't know if they are siblings or what their genetic background is. You run a risk of bringing baby parrots into this world that could have deformities or health issues. If your pair includes or is made up of 2 females, they may lay eggs no matter WHAT you do. I've not had to deal with this problem myself so I can’t give you advice in that regard.

There is also the concern of the parents not being able to care for their young. Are you knowledgeable in hand-feeding and socializing young birds? If you are not, I would search for a reputable breeder of parrots mentor you in that regard. And it goes w/o saying but indulge me: please be sure that your birds have been seen by a board-certified avian veterinarian: certification, species, credentialing, veterinary clinical practice, vet, abvp. If you cannot find a board-certified avian vet in your area, you will want to find a vet associated with the Association of Avian Veterinarians: Find your local Avian Veterinarian

I'm not one to diss someone for buying pets at a pet store or from a breeder, reputable or otherwise, but if you have a moment, please check out Petfinder.com. You'll see that there are dozens and dozens of lovebirds available for adoption. There is no shortage of lovebirds in the US IMHO. Don't get me wrong: I think that lovebirds are FANTASTIC parrots and wonderful companions. That said, there are enough hobbyists and exhibitors out there contributing to the pet trade in addition to breeding farms and the unexpected clutch from unsuspecting owners.

Are there bird organizations that provide the names of those interested in adopting baby lovebirds in the vicinity of one's geographic location?

If you indeed find yourself with lovebird babies in need of homes, you can list them on sites like kijiji.com, hoobly.com, birdmart.com, upatsix.com and birdsnways.com.

Best wishes,

-e-

[Indy]

Dear MiloMacaw,
Thank you for the advice.

Originally Posted by MiloMacaw

They are very pretty little blue masks- that's my favorite color. I have one boy like that and I find myself staring at him sometimes for long periods of time. I'm sure he thinks im a lunatic.

They are mesmerizing, especially when they sit their chirping back and forth like lovers exchanging terms of endearment.

Today a swarm of black ants invaded their cage. Before I was able to stop the flow by spraying a tiny bit of repellant at the foot of each coaster of the cage stand, these lovebirds were gobbling up these ants with chirps of ecastacy.

My sister said in the wild ants are a source of protein. Even though I've stopped the flow of ants into their cage, vacuuming as many ants off the cage as possible, they got quite a fill of the little critters today. I hope black ants are not disagreeable to the digestive tracts of lovebirds. Do you know anything about this?

Thanks again.

[Indy]

Dear Eliza,
I really appreciate the advice, book referral and organizational links!

I've never owned a pet since owning cats as a child (and I'm age 50 now). Part of my aversion to owning pets was my fear of emotional attachment after my cat of age 24 peacefully died of old age in my parents' livingroom. I realized how much I loved her and considered her part of the family, and mourned her as I would mourn the loss of my own parents. In fact the mourning was worse because the Christian faith is out to lunch on the question of whether animals will be 'resurrected' by God, and so I found myself praying to God for her.

Since then I was determined never to own pets, but my sister's owning parrots changed all that. After her loved cockatiel flew out the door one day when contractors left the front-door open (not knowing how the bird escaped from her cage in the first place), I was even more determined not to own pets! My sister kept needling me to consider buying birds. Having divorced, I think she figures I'm lonely and need company. I kept telling her that I'm fine living alone for the time being (maybe for the rest of my life).

Between Christmas and New Years, the first time I've remained home in 10 years, we were on the phone as I went to the post office and she kept suggesting I consider a bird. I decided to stop in Pet Club and these two birds were preening one another so affectionately. The area of this particular store is in a low-income area. When I asked the price of these birds, the store clerk quoted each one. Surprised, I asked if they were sold as a pair?

She said no, that many who cannot afford the pair buy just one, implying the price of $50 each was so high that someone would separate the pair to save $50. I could not fathom the thought of this pair of lovebirds, so obviously bonded, could be separated. I pictured the indignity of them getting separated, only to find homes in apartments neither air-conditioned in the scorching 113 degree summers or adequately heated in the bone chilling 26 degree winters. I told myself I really wanted to adopt them, and I did, but it was my picturing a dismal fate of them separated and in extreme environmental discomfort that made it more of a "rescue mission." If it was an affluent area or the conditioin of their sale was "sold together only" then I would have maintained my determination not to adopt pets.

These two lovebirds now live in a hepa-filtered house that maintains a year-round temperature of 70-73 degrees. They have all the amenities including a large cage with U.V. lighting, they drink from bottled water and have "his and hers" bird baths with distilled water (I have a water distiller so it's really not that big a deal), and in almost two weeks they've gained weight and take daily bird baths. (These baths have bubble-shields made of clear polymer to avoid splash, although the water flies everywhere when they flap their wings after their baths.)

They have concrete and natural branch perches, and those mineral rocks from their native habitat in Africa full of calcium and minerals (attached to the side of their cage). They even have a very well made heated perch they love to cuddle together on every now and then.

One thing I didn't count on is the seeds flying everywhere (especially from the natural millet grains) and frequent vacuuming, so I bought a large roll of white mosquito netting on eBay and cut a piece to drape around their cage. This netting also catches the spray of water after their baths. You can still see in and it breaths (as it's top notch 100% cotton mosquito netting used in the jungle). I was amazed 90 feet x 54 inches of 100% cotton netting costed only $15 on eBay. It's machine washable and 90 feet will last for years to replaced netting that stains or wears out.

I could have never envisioned myself in this future time with lovebirds that are madly in love. Life takes amazing turns when you least expect it.

[Indy]

Originally Posted by Eliza

Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened. ~ Anatole France

I meant to tell you that your quote in the signature line of your message, is the exact reason why I don't regret my sudden and admittedly emotional decision to "rescue" these lovebirds from the Pet Club. Every time I see these two tenderly displaying affection for one another, part of my soul continues to awaken further from its deep long slumber.

[Lori~D]

Hi INDY, welcome to the board. I need to say one thing, you need to get rid of the distilled water though. Distilled water is not good for birds and even though it is in the bath they will still drink it. Just trying to help.

Early Death Comes From Drinking Distilled Water

[birdlady49]

Hi and welcome from Colorado. I raised bluemask lovebirds for many years and found them to be gorgeous and delightful companions, even though they were not tame and couldn't be touched.

I glazed over reading some of these long messages, so forgive me if I'm repeating advice that has already been offered.

1. Do not release any birds to the wild. Not only is it illegal but many would become quick meals for the predators out there -- hawks, cats, raccoons etc.

2. If you don't provide stimulation, they won't necessarily breed. So don't offer mirrors or nests. Keep the amount of daylight to 12 hours or less (more light simulates springtime or summertime and, thus, breeding season.)

3. They're pretty shy little birds and will often hide under newspaper if it's available to them. They chew like crazy and they can get pretty noisy, though it's usually for a short period of time.

Thank you for bringing birds into your life! Please offer them a healthy and varied diet -- fresh food, pellets and some seed. Never feed avocado, chocolate, anything with caffeine, fried foods, or any moldy foods. Dark green veggies are best (as opposed to lettuces such as iceberg) and are more important than even fruit. Be careful with dairy products. If you offer cheese, offer very little and very infrequently as birds cannot process lactose very well.

What I feed my birds (though I don't have lovebirds anymore): Mixed frozen veggies (warmed), with cooked beans (pinto, red, kidney, etc), legumes, brown rice, and pasta added. Then I chop broccoli, collard greens (or kale or swiss chard or green leaf lettuce or rommaine lettuce) and fruit (apple, grape, cranberry, mango, kiwi, pomegranate seeds) and mix it in. It's a very colorful and healthy salad that even humans can eat!

Rule of thumb: If it's good for you, it's probably good for the birds. If it's bad for you, it's worse for the birds.