Lovebirds
are smaller than cockatiels, but they're much louder, generating
higher pitched shrieks. They're also
far more active, preferring to do things like run in hamster
running wheels, climb up and down ladders, hang from things,
shred toys, and generally expend lots of energy, rather than
sit around and be mellow like a cockatiel.
Tame
lovebirds can be extremely cute and adorable. They're curious,
intelligent little birds, who love to climb down T-shirts,
explore pockets, sit on shoulders, take baths in the kitchen
sink, and play with watches, eye-glasses and anything else
that looks interesting. A tame lovebird will cheep and dance
to be picked up and played with, and it's hard to ignore their
little beady black hopeful eyes.
Lovebirds tend to be more willful, mischievous, and exploratory
than adult cockatiels. Lovebirds have a piercing shriek that
outdoes cockatiel whistling in volume and ear-pain -- and
when they feel ignored, they have shrieking loud ear-piercing
temper tantrums! They also tend to bite harder when annoyed.
Lovebirds
should also be converted to a pelleted diet, and should also be introduced
to new foods like broccoli and lettuce as soon as possible.
Like cockatiels, lovebirds need attention from their owners.
Lovebirds can be a little nippy, but with consisent behavorial techniques this phase shouldn't last very long.
Lovebirds can live from 10 to 20 years, with good care.
