Lovebirds Are Not for Children

The lovebird is a tiny member of the parrot family. They are very pretty birds, most commonly green in color, and are named for their uncommonly affectionate nature. They are very intelligent, and while they can rarely be taught to speak, they can be potty trained to go on command, over a trash can or newspaper, in just a few weeks. However, when not given the proper amount of attention, these beautiful birds can literally die of loneliness.

When kept as cage birds, lovebirds must be bought in pairs. When they have a companion, they will for an incredibly strong bond with each other and will spend their time cuddling together and preening one another. If their flight feathers are left intact, they will chase each other through the air and play games with each other.

When a single lovebird is kept, they require huge amounts of attention. If its owner is at home, the lovebird will want to be out of its cage and on his or her shoulder. When given enough attention, a lovebird will be the best pet in the world. It will love to be petted, and it will cuddle with its owner and even preen them.

Without several hours of time every day with its owner, a lovebird will become mean and withdrawn. A lonely lovebird will squawk incesently and will literally pace around its cage. They will use their intelligence to make even more noise; I've seen many that find things in their cages to lift up and drop for its loud noise. Their health will deteriorate and if left alone for too long, they will die.

It is for this reason that these birds are not suited for younger owners. Their attention spans are too short to give these creatures the attention and love they need to stay healthy.

Parents, I implore you. Do not buy a lovebird for your young child. Lovebirds can live upwards of ten years. When was the last time a young child kept something for more than a few months? If you must get one for your child, get two, so that if and when your child loses interest the bird will not be alone.

Lovebirds are great pets in pairs, and are great single pets for people who truly love birds, or for older people who can devote the hours upon hours every day to their care. Children, on the other hand, are by nature unable to care for these birds properly. Please, do not put a lovebird through the loneliness that will kill it.