Lovebirds?

[athms]

The bird fair is coming up and i am most likely going with my uncle and i want a peached faced lovebird. Ive heard 18x18x18 cage but i want to get the biggest one i can afford. I have a book called "Good Parrotkeeping" and i have looked online and they dont go much into detail about diet so do you guys have one and what is a good diet.

[Primal Rage]

I would get 2! And make sure if you get any that they are young, less than 10months. If you only get one ,it will bond with you and turn into a monster if you stop paying it attention years down the road.

Birds are so loud and obnoxious! I had several different species growing up and they were all sooo loud! Seriously, if you like peace and quite or sleeping in on the weekend forget it!!

Don't get me wrong. They are fascinating, beautiful animals. I'm sure if you are passionate enough about them the noise won't be an issue. Take care!

[TheZoo]

I would not get two I would get a young male that shows no sign of agression nippyness when held. For diet i would do a pellet like zupreem with leafy greens and veggies offerd dailly and maybe some fruit now and again. i would not go with a 18x18 but at the very min a 30wX18dX18h however a cage 32x28 is most recomendend actually the best cage if you can get it is an a&e flight cage A&E Cage Company Flight Bird Cage at PETCO (http://www.petco.com/product/124228/AandE-Cage-Company-Flight-Bird-Cage.aspx?cm_mmc=CSEMGoogleAdExtProd-_-Bird-_-Bird%20Cages%20-%20High%20Price-_-2290929&gclid=CMj-kPvA4rwCFY1cMgodvAoAHg) go on ebay though there cheaper or see if you can get one there...lovies are big on shredding and chewing however bells and acrilic toys should be provided...also they are escape artisits

[sweatshirt]

I've owned 2 peach faced lovebirds (at seperate times).

If you want a companion, definitely go for one. The best place to get a companion parrot is from a breeder who hand-feeds the babies. I hand fed one of my lovebirds myself, but I don't reccomend doing that unless you have proper research and training. https://www.birdbreeders.com/ is a GREAT place to look for breeders in your state. HOWEVER, since you said you're going to a bird expo, just ask the breeders if they hand-feed and how tame their babies are.

If you want them for show, go with a large flight cage, and two to keep each other company. However, you should go for an already bonded pair as 2 unknown lovebirds can and most likely will kill each other, and there's the huge hassle of quarentine.

18x18x18 is a bit too small... mine always had a 20"w x 20"d x 57"h on a stand. It was JUST like this one, but a different brand:
Hana Hut Playtop Bird Cage - Parakeet Bird Cages and Bird Cages at Bird Cages 4 Less (http://birdcages4less.com/page/B/PROD/Lovebird-Bird-Cages/PA5706)

For diet, I would go with pellets, nutri-berries and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, which is what my lovebirds both ate. The best brand of pellets is Harrison's. They're expensive, but organic and extremely healthy. Roudybush is another great pellet brand. Avoid pet store seed blends like Kaytee and Bonanza. Those types should only be used as treats.

The bird should have at least 5 toys in the cage, wood and leather are best, to play with, chew on and entertain them. You should change one every 2 weeks to keep them from getting bored with them. Another suggestion is: get a happy hut. They're little huts for the bird to sleep in. My birds were both obsessed with theirs. They should also have different types of perches. Wood, rope, and natural wood are awesome. 1 rope perch is needed so the wood doesn't hurt their feet. You can also add things like ladders and swings.

You need to clean the cage every 1-2 days. Most knowledgable parrot owners do it everyday. I used paper towels for the bottom; they're very easy to change out. If their perch or ladder gets dirty, just clean them off with soap and hot water. Make sure all the soap is off when you do.

If you get a companion bird, they definitely need at least 1-2 hours of companionship every day. They're flock birds, and they love their flock. Parrots are prey animals, so always use positive reinforcement and never negative. They very easily lose their trust and it's very hard to get it back.

A note: Primal Rage did make one good point. Don't pay too much attention to them as babies (as in overly cuddling them and paying attention to them), or they will crave it as an adult. That's JUST what happened to my second lovebird. I paid a lot of attention to it as a baby, especially because I hand-fed it myself. Then it started chirping and screeching for me all day, and with my hectic schedule and school work I couldn't give her the attention she needed, so I gave her to a parrot sanctuary. I had her for almost 2 years. She flies with a flock of lovebirds now though, and I'm going to try and visit her soon :)

[Zoo Nanny]

Avoid bird fairs at all cost. They are notorious for selling off birds that they do not want for a variety of reasons including older, aggressive and unhealthy birds. I've spoken with so many people who have been heartbroken to have a bird that was purchased at a fair only to find out it was sick and passed the sickness on to their birds at home. Check out the Iowa Parrot Rescue. These birds are vetted and I'm sure will have exactly what you are looking for. There are waiting list at rescues around the country of birds waiting to get in because of over breeding. If you are close enough to the rescue maybe you could volunteer there and get to know the bird breeds. You may find that the perfect bird companion will choose you. Also please consider your life from here onwards. Most birds in rescues are there because of life events like marriage, children, school, finances, moving in and out of country and a slew of other reasons.

[Zoo Nanny]

I was limited in time earlier and wanted to add that if you do get a bird at the fair be sure to ask for a health guarantee of at least 7 days. Bring the bird to an avian vet asap for blood testing. Also hand fed babies are not better with humans. Studies are proving that parent reared birds are better adjusted than hand reared. Time out of cage is best when you offer what you will be able to do right from the start. If for instance you can offer an hour in the morning and three at night, begin that right away. The more time out of cage the better off the bird will be with the increased exercise. A playstand and lots of toys are the key to a well adjusted and independent bird. Cuddling is a huge no no as it confuses the bird to thinking you are a mate. Petting and preening above the neck only. And push those veggies and fruits along with the pellets. Some seed at night is good for the bird but not too much and avoid sunflower seeds they are awful, full of fat.