Lovebirds: More than just Valentine's
Adorable Lovebirds
Aren't lovebirds the cutest little things? As one of the smallest parrot species, they are known for their public displays of affection with their other half, hence the name. They mate for life and can have multiple clutches, living long, productive lives in the wild.
Wild Birds
They are a perfect representation of lifelong love, but I can't help but feel uncomfortable about the idea of caged birds. I have a disturbing memory of being attacked by a budgie when I was very little, so I've always been a bit wary of birds in captivity. The first time I connected budgies with the wild animals they actually are was when I lived in Australia. Seeing budgies flying around as commonly as our little sparrows was amazing.
Lovebirds in the UK
There is no doubt that lovebirds are popular as pets. I checked the main three retailers for lovebirds, and there are currently approximately 200 listings just for lovebirds today. In the UK, you don't need a licence to own a lovebird. However, you do need a licence if you intend to breed lovebirds. If you're okay with the idea of owning a lovebird as a pet, you must ensure that the seller proves the birds were bred in captivity and not taken from the wild.
Conservation Concerns
The trade in exotic birds has resulted in a third of parrot species being endangered. Fischer's Lovebirds population has declined by approximately 30% since the 1970's. If this decline continues, they will be threatened with extinction. The legal trade of lovebirds was stopped in 1987, but the illegal trade still continues. The scale of the trade is unknown, but judging by the listings for birds for sale today, they are still in demand.
Caring for Lovebirds
Lovebirds are best kept in pairs, but a single lovebird will be okay. A solo bird will expect a lot of attention from its owner. If you do have a bird by itself, be prepared to be their surrogate partner. They will need toys, mirrors, chewy things, as well as a minimum of four hours of flight time out of the cage daily. They're not shy either. They are little chatterboxes and love a morning sing-song. If you decide to have any kind of bird, or indeed any other animal, as a pet, please make sure you do your research in terms of the legalities, welfare, and upkeep of the animal. Remember, lovebirds aren't just for Valentine's Day. If you feel like Lovebirds are the perfect way to say 'I love you' go for a print or even a cushion from So So Cushy.
P.S. I've just found out via a local Facebook page that there is a flock of wild parakeets in Monkseaton, near where I live. They've clearly escaped or been released at some point but have managed to acclimatise to the cold North East.