Because the title suggests, the black masked lovebird likes to reside in pairs and a few them would make charming pets. They’re clever and straightforward to coach in addition to cuddly and cute.
And…
When stored in pairs, the black masked lovebird makes a lovable and lovable pet. In case you are considering of adopting black masked lovebirds, right here is every little thing you might want to find out about this species.
Black Masked Lovebird Overview
The black masked lovebird (Agapornis personatus) is called after it’s facial coloring, which by the way seems like a black masks, and is native to central and northern Tanzania though some flocks have been present in Kenya. They often populate properly wooded grasslands and inland plateaus. First imported within the 1920’s they’ve been bred in captivity and turn into very fashionable pet birds throughout America and Europe.
Though numbers within the wild have decreased since they’ve turn into extra readily imported, the black lovebird is just not endangered. Breeding in captivity has led to some variations in shade, such because the Fischer’s lovebird, and there are a number of different fashionable sub species of lovebird together with the peach-faced lovebird.
Traits Of The Black Masked Lovebird
Bodily
This small hen is simply 5.5 inches lengthy and weighs round 50 grams. Their wingspan is round 3.5 inches however even with these small wings they’ve loads of power for flying round. Named after their black faces, in addition they have white rings round their eyes which make their masks like facial markings actually stand out. Regardless of being acknowledged by their black masks, their most distinguished colorings are a vibrant yellow breast and inexperienced plumage on their wings and backs.
Conduct
Except for the chirping, black masked lovebirds could be comparatively quiet pet birds if stored joyful. They don’t discuss however they’re fairly clever and you may practice them to do a spread of different tips like fetching gadgets and dancing. Lovebirds typically are additionally very energetic and the black confronted lovebird isn’t any exception. They’ll want loads of toys and time outdoors of their cage to maintain them entertained or they’ll begin to get aggressive and neurotic and it’s possible you’ll discover that they begin to make extra noise.
Though higher when paired with one other hen, this black lovebird could be aggressive in direction of new birds you introduce to them, particularly if they’re protecting over their associate. Additionally they like to chew on issues so be sure you give them a alternative of chew toys. These smaller birds can reside as much as 20 years which is significantly lower than giant parrots.
Elevating A Black Masked Lovebird As A Pet
Temperament
These lovebirds are definitely affectionate in direction of their companions and may usually be seen grooming and snuggling with one another. In order for you them to be as affectionate in direction of people, they’ll want common dealing with from a younger age. If raised alone, they’ll want much more consideration so we’d advocate getting a pair to keep away from aggressive habits. As they can be fairly nippy, they’re not the perfect pet for younger kids.
Nonetheless, they’re clever and enjoyable to coach. They’ll simply be taught to do just a few tips and play with you. Being curious and really energetic, they’re a little bit of a handful when out of their cage so control them attempting to cover inside issues.
Coaching
Though they aren’t talkers, these black lovebirds could be educated to do a spread of issues. They make pet hen for a first-time hen proprietor as a result of they’re comparatively straightforward to coach however you might want to do not forget that they’ll play up in the event that they don’t get loads of consideration even in the event you practice them properly. With diligent consideration, you’ll be able to practice them to fetch and do tips like spin round and bob their heads.
If not correctly educated and socialized, the masked lovebird can turn into nippy and begin to chew different birds and other people. They may also chew most issues so it would be best to practice them to stay to their chew toys or disguise something you don’t need them to chew by means of. A great way to coach them out of chewing is by giving them toys they’ll shred up and items of paper to maintain them occupied.
Residence Kind
Though not significantly noisy, the black confronted lovebird will begin to make excessive pitched noises if it doesn’t get sufficient consideration. When you practice them properly and hold them with a associate, their noise ought to be minimal making them appropriate for smaller houses. As small birds, in addition they don’t want an enormous area for his or her cage however will want loads of time outdoors of the cage to fly round so make sure you hen proof your house.
Don’t attempt to throw them into the identical cage as different birds, or introduce them to new birds with out warning as they might turn into aggressive. In case you have a pair who’re joyful collectively, they need to have their cage to themselves as an alternative of being launched to new birds which they won’t get alongside so properly with.
Expertise Degree
As black masked lovebirds are clever and straightforward to coach, they’re appropriate for first time hen homeowners. Just be sure you learn up on the right way to take care of black confronted lovebirds fastidiously earlier than adopting a pair.
Correct Care For Black Masked Lovebirds
Cage Measurement And Setup
Small birds just like the masked lovebird want a cage that’s at the very least 24 inches extensive x 24 inches deep x 24 inches excessive and has bar spacing of ½ to five/8 inches. You’ll find this sized cage in many various designs to fit your house. They’re very energetic and like to fly round so may also admire a bigger cage or loads of time outdoors of the cage. Be sure to fill their cage with a spread of toys to maintain them occupied when they’re inside together with swings and perches they’ll fly between.
Food regimen
The black masked lovebird ought to have a secure eating regimen of hen seed supplemented with lovebird secure vegetables and fruit in addition to different minerals. You will get mineral blocks to complement their eating regimen which may also give them one thing to chew on. They’ll additionally eat grains like wholegrain pasta and multigrain bread. Don’t give your black lovebird any human meals or vegetables and fruit with out checking it’s secure for them to eat first. Avoid avocados, rhubarb, asparagus, onions, uncooked legumes, and dairy merchandise as they’re poisonous to lovebirds.
Breeding
Black masked lovebirds can breed from fairly a younger age, as younger as 10 months previous. They actually reside as much as the lovebird title and mated {couples} can produce a number of clutches of eggs per 12 months. Throughout breeding season, male birds can turn into extra aggressive and you will want to offer a nest field the place the feminine will incubate eggs for round 23 days. Masked lovebirds even share childcare with the male taking up feeding obligation after two weeks. They’re very straightforward to breed and repeatedly bred in captivity.
Train
As energetic birds, black lovebirds ought to be outdoors of their cage for 3 – 4 hours a day however the period of time they should fly round will rely in your hen. In case you have a small cage and see that they’re getting agitated, allow them to out for longer. Be sure to additionally introduce new toys repeatedly to entertain them.
Value
Lovebirds can value between 50 and 200 USD relying on their breed and rarity. They’re repeatedly bought in pairs so it’s best to take into account the worth of getting a couple of in the event you don’t wish to find yourself with a loud and irritable solo lovebird.
Well being
These birds are fairly excessive upkeep and can want their claws trimming repeatedly. Additionally they like to take baths so offering a hen bathtub or simply filling your sink with water when they’re out of the cage is a good suggestion. Black masked lovebirds additionally molt twice a 12 months and may turn into irritable round this time. They’ll additionally contract a spread of sicknesses together with:
- Psittacine Beak and Feather Illness
- PolyomaVirus An infection
- Yeast infections (Candidiasis)
- Avian Pox Virus An infection
- Bacterial infections
- Inner parasites
- Mites and ticks
- Egg binding
- Intestinal influenza
- Coccidiosis
- Respiratory illnesses
- Diarrhea
When you discover your black lovebird behaving unusually, take them to an avian vet who can examine for these sicknesses.
Comparable Species
There are a number of shade variations and species of lovebird that are corresponding to the black masked lovebird, a few of the hottest embody:
- Fischer’s lovebird
- Peach confronted lovebird
- Crimson-headed lovebird
Abstract
The black masked lovebird makes a terrific alternative of pet hen for brand new homeowners as they’re loving, clever and straightforward to coach.
A pleasant reminder…Get a pair of lovebirds as an alternative of only one in the event you actually wish to create a cheerful setting and keep away from any problematic habits.
