How to Determine the Gender, Lifespan and Weight of a Lovebird

A pet lovebird can bring you a lot of enjoyment. Many lovebird owners leave the pet store with many questions about their new pet, like the gender, average lifespan and weight. Although the gender is predetermined, the lovebird's diet determines the lifespan and weight. Average lifespan is anywhere from 6 to 12 years; average weight is 40 to 60 grams.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Gender

1. Watch your lovebird for behavior, such as nest building, that will show the gender.
2. Take your lovebird to a licensed veterinarian.
3. Ask the veterinarian to determine the gender of your lovebird by taking a blood sample. The veterinarian will send the blood sample to a laboratory for a DNA test.

Lifespan

4. Take your lovebird to an avian veterinarian.
5. Tell the veterinarian about your lovebird's diet. Lovebirds that eat only bird seed will only live four to five years. Fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to bird seed can increase the lifespan to 10 to 12 years.
6. Ask the veterinarian to estimate your lovebird's lifespan.

Weight

7. Find out the average weight for your species of lovebird.
8. Weigh your lovebird using a scale that measures grams. Lovebirds are too light for ordinary scales.
9. Take your lovebird to a veterinarian. The veterinarian can weigh the lovebird and look for signs that it is a healthy weight.

Tips & Warnings

• Your veterinarian can surgically sex your lovebird. This is invasive and done only in an emergency situation.
• Remember to change your lovebird's water daily or more often if needed. Spend time with your lovebird. Both of these can increase your lovebird's lifespan.