Where to Get a Lovebird

When purchasing your new lovebird, be certain that you’re getting a healthy individual from a reputable source. Also, select your bird based on what you want from a pet: whether you’re looking for a friendly, interactive companion or a beautiful bird to admire from afar.

The way a bird is raised—whether by his parents or by humans—has a significant impact on how he behaves around people. If you want to keep a lovebird as an aviary bird to observe rather than interact with, consider buying a parent-raised bird—a bird whose parents raised him and who has not yet adjusted to being around humans.

If your goal is to have a playful, affectionate pet, a hand-fed bird is a better purchase. Hand-fed birds are removed from their nests at very young ages, after which humans care for and feed them rather than their parents. This allows the young birds to become accustomed to being around people and being handled by them. Hand-fed birds are more trusting of people and are more likely to develop a cuddly personality.

There are three main places to get a lovebird:

Lovebird breeders dedicate themselves to the care and training of these birds. A reputable lovebird breeder is likely to help mentor you through the trials of lovebird ownership. When buying from a breeder, you should get the impression that the person cares about the lives of her birds and that she will be available to answer any questions you might have about raising your new lovebird.

You can locate breeders on the internet, in bird magazines, or in the telephone book. However, it’s often best to get a personal recommendation from friends or a vet.

You can acquire your lovebird from a general pet store or from one that is devoted specifically to birds and bird supplies. In either case, the store you visit should give you a good impression and make you feel comfortable about choosing your pet from that location. The staff should be knowledgeable, and the animals should seem well cared for. Their cages should be clean, and they should have plenty of fresh food and water. Most bird-specific shops and some general shops will provide you with a health guarantee for your new lovebird, which you should always ask for in writing.

Many animal shelters and bird rescue organizations regularly have lovebirds up for adoption. Often, companion birds only live in a home for two or three years before their owners give them up. Consider putting yourself on a list at your local shelter in case a lovebird becomes available.