Foods for Lovebirds
Lovebirds are brightly colored parrots that originally come from Africa. They remain small, only growing to about 6 inches in length, making them an easier choice for some bird keepers. They enjoy being kept in pairs, hence their names. Lovebirds are friendly and beautiful, but require a balanced diet in order to stay healthy and happy.
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Seeds
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Each lovebird that you have should be given between 1 ½ and 2 oz. of mixed seeds and formulated bird food every day. A small amount of formulated bird food, mixed with natural seeds, ensures that your lovebird will get the vitamins it needs, and should prevent the need for vitamin supplements. Canary, budgie or small parrot seed mixes of foods can be used for lovebirds. Natural seeds, such as niger, oats, peas, flax and silver millet should also be mixed with the bird food.
Fruits and Vegetables
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Fresh fruits and vegetables add variety to the lovebird's diet, helping to make sure the bird does not become bored with its food. Fruit and vegetables also offer important vitamins, making up for any lack of vitamins in the bird food and seed. They can be given as treats or as rewards for good behavior. Lovebirds enjoy fruits such as berries, apples, bananas, pears, kiwis and grapes. Vegetables that can be given include green herbs, as well as other greens such as spinach, watercress, dandelions, endives, lettuce and broccoli. Snow and mung peas can also be given, along with fresh corn, beets, celery and radishes. Any fruits or vegetables that have not been eaten after four hours should be removed from the bird's enclosure, in order to keep it clean.
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Nuts
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Shelled nuts provide an additional source of protein for lovebirds. Peanuts, chestnuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts can be offered to your bird. Nuts, like fruit and vegetables, can be given as treats or as rewards for good bird behavior.
Calcium and Other Vitamin Sources
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Some lovebirds may require extra calcium in their diets. You can provide calcium by placing a cuttlebone in the bird's enclosure. Crushed oyster shells can also be given to the birds. Oyster shells should be placed in a dish in the enclosure. If you or your bird's veterinarian still feel your bird is not getting enough vitamins, special bird vitamin supplements can be added to the bird's regular food or water.
Dangerous Foods
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There are a few foods that can be very poisonous to lovebirds, as well as other bird species. These include rhubarb leaves and avocados. Neither of these should ever be given to a lovebird. Apple seeds are also toxic, and should always be carefully removed if you feed your bird apples.
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