Lovebirds are small parrots that are known for forming strong pair bonds with their mates. This has led some bird owners to question whether lovebirds can be housed together in a large enclosed aviary, or if they should be kept in pairs in separate cages. There are pros and cons to both setups. Here we’ll explore the considerations for keeping lovebirds in aviaries versus cages.
Quick Facts on Lovebirds
- There are 9 species of lovebird, though the most common kept as pets are Fischer’s and peach-faced.
- Lovebirds range from 5-7 inches in length and weigh 25-60 grams.
- They have an average lifespan of 10-15 years with proper care.
- Lovebirds form monogamous pair bonds and will choose a mate themselves.
- They are social and affectionate birds that enjoy interaction.
- Lovebirds are energetic and like to be active and playful.
Knowing some quick facts about lovebird behavior and characteristics will help inform whether they are good candidates for an aviary setup. Key considerations are their strong pair bonding, need for interaction, and active nature.
The Benefits of an Aviary for Lovebirds
There are some advantages to housing lovebirds in a spacious aviary:
- More room to fly and play – An aviary allows lovebirds more horizontal space and vertical climbing area than most cages offer. Lovebirds are active birds that need physical stimulation.
- Exposure to natural light and air – Traditional cages keep birds enclosed indoors. Aviaries bring them closer to the outdoors and natural environment.
- Opportunity to socialize – Multiple lovebirds can interact, play, and bond in an aviary setting with lots of room to fly around.
- Less monotonous environment – An aviary provides a more complex and enriched habitat compared to a plain cage.
The extra space and enriching features of an aviary can be beneficial for lovebirds’ well-being. As flocking birds, they often enjoy the company and activity of living with other lovebirds.
Considerations for Housing Lovebirds Together
While lovebirds may enjoy socializing with other lovebirds, there are some important considerations when housing multiple lovebirds together:
- Lovebirds form very strong pair bonds with mates. Separating pairs can cause distress.
- Odd numbers may result in one lovebird left out without a bonded mate.
- Pairs should have ample personal space and hiding spots in an aviary to avoid conflict.
- New introductions should be done carefully and gradually over time.
- Bullying may occur between lovebirds competing for resources like food, water, and nesting spaces.
- Any aggressive or stressed behavior should be closely monitored when introducing or housing lovebirds together.
Ideally lovebirds housed together should be young, unrelated birds raised together who can form bonded pairs. Introducing mature, already paired lovebirds takes patience and care. Even compatible lovebirds will engage in some friendly bickering. Make sure any aviary housing multiple lovebirds is very large and enriched to avoid issues.
Ideal Aviary Setup for Lovebirds
An aviary for lovebirds should provide:
- Minimum dimensions of 6 feet long by 3 feet wide by 6 feet tall, larger is even better.
- Horizontal bars no wider than 3/8 to 1/2 inch to prevent escapes.
- Metal mesh walls to prevent damage and provide ventilation.
- UV-protectant coating or shaded areas out of direct sunlight.
- Sections with solid roofing to allow hiding and feeling sheltered.
- Multiple clean food and water stations to avoid squabbles.
- Plenty of roosting perches, platforms, and nesting boxes for each pair.
- Branches, ladders, swings and toys for exercise and enrichment.
An aviary of adequate size kitted out with engaging accessories and hiding spots will allow lovebirds to exhibit their normal behaviors comfortably. Providing multiple resources prevents competition between pairs. Lovebirds may still tussle over preferred spots but outright fighting should be rare in a well-designed aviary habitat.
Potential Drawbacks of Aviaries
While aviaries provide more space and enrichment for lovebirds, some potential downsides exist:
- Difficult to control temperature and humidity compared to indoor cages.
- Increased exposure to airborne illnesses without proper air filtration.
- Harder to closely monitor each individual bird’s health and behavior.
- Need to fully predator proof from rats, raccoons, cats, etc.
- May experience more feather plucking due to decreased one-on-one time.
- Can be difficult to tame lovebirds and handle them regularly.
These risks can be minimized by choosing an appropriate aviary location, installing proper shelter, ventilation, and screening, and continuing daily interaction and supervision. But an aviary does make hands-on bonding more challenging than cage housing.
Key Considerations for Housing Lovebirds in Aviaries
To decide if an aviary is right for your lovebirds, keep these key points in mind:
- Aviary housing allows lovebirds more room but requires careful setup.
- Only young, unrelated lovebirds raised together readily form flocks.
- Older paired lovebirds may not adapt well to new lovebirds.
- Monitor for signs of stress like plucking feathers or aggression.
- Provide ample resources and hiding spots to avoid conflict.
- Quarantine and slowly introduce any new birds.
- Daily interaction is still needed to bond with lovebirds in aviaries.
Under the right circumstances, an aviary can be an excellent housing option for lovebirds. But careful planning and flock management is crucial to avoid issues stemming from their strong pair bonding instincts.
Conclusion
Lovebirds can potentially be housed together in a spacious, enriched aviary habitat. However their strong tendency to form mated pairs makes choosing suitable flock mates vital. Lovebird pairs should each have their own territorities within the aviary to nest and feed without competing.
Providing ample resources is key to reducing squabbles between lovebirds. Young lovebirds raised together are easier to house in groups than trying to integrate mature paired birds. Owners should monitor lovebird flocks closely for signs of stress and agression. An aviary allows lovebirds more room to fly and interact, but they still require daily human attention.
With careful setup and monitoring, an aviary can provide lovebirds with a interesting environment full of activity. But lovebird owners should weigh the extra demands of managing an aviary flock against the benefits before committing to converting from cages. While aviaries have advantages, they also pose some extra challenges for birds with such strong pair bonding needs as lovebirds.
