Lovebirds live in flocks among the woodlands, savannahand forest edges of sub-Saharan Africa and Indian Ocean islands.

Order: Psittaciformes

Family: Psittacidae

Agopornis spp.

Agapornis fisceri – Fischer’s lovebird (shown above)

Agapornis personata – masked lovebird

Agapornis roseicollis – peach-faced lovebird

There are nine species in genus Agapornis. The peach-faced and black-masked lovebirds are most commonly kept as pets.

• Green plumage with a rose forehead, cheeks and throat, and a bright blue rump are seen overall in lovebirds but there are many mutant strains as well.
• Males tend to be slightly larger but most species are not sexually dimorphic.

• Lovebirds are granivores and frugivores.
• Since psittacine birds hull seeds before ingestion, they do not require grit. In fact, some individuals will overeat grit when ill putting the bird at risk for impaction.
• All-seed diets are deficient in protein, vitamins, and minerals including calcium and vitamin A.

• Cage dimension should be at least 18 in (2.5 cm) long and 18 in (2.5 cm) wide.
• Cage bar spacing should be approximately 3/8 to 7/16 in (0.95-1.1 cm).
• At least two perches without sandpaper should be provided with 3/8 inch diameter.
• Perch diameter should be between 3/8 in (0.95 cm). Provide at least two perches. Sand paper perch covers are very abrasive to the feet, and are not recommended.
• Provide frequent water baths or showers to maintain normal skin/feather quality.

• Lovebirds are assertive, even sometimes aggressive, in nature. Daily handling is necessary to maintain pet quality.
• A pair of lovebirds in a home will be quite loyal to each other and will not bond with the owner.
• Like most parrots, foraging is an important part of normal daily lovebird activity. Teach and encourage pet birds to play and forage.

Anatomic traits of Order Psittaciformes include:

• Communication of the right and left nasal sinus
• The only avian tongue with intrinsic muscles
• Simply syrinx
• Craniofacial hinge of beak is a synovial joint
• Ceca absent
• Gall bladder often absent
• Zygodactyl foot:two toes pointed backward and two pointed forward

Lovebirds may be restrained by holding the head between index and middle fingers. Support the body with the palm of the hand as well as the thumb and little finger.

Use a 27-gauge needle and 1 to 3-mL syringe to draw blood from the right jugular vein.Collection of up to 1% of body weight is acceptable in healthy patients.

• Obtain a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination.
• Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries.
• Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry.
• Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds.
• Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings:avian polyomavirus, avian chlamydiosis.
• Use of the equine West Nile virus vaccine may be associated with hemolytic anemia in lories.
• Birds housed in large groups or aviaries are at higher risk of Pacheco’s disease virus and use of the vaccine may be indicated.
• The avian polyomavirus vaccine is recommended for breeding populations.