CHAPTER I

Introduction
1.1. Background
Lovebird is one of nine species of the genus Agapornis. They are social and
affectionate small parrot. Eight species are native to the African continent, and the greyheaded lovebird is native to Madagaskar. Their name stems from the parrots' strong,
monogamous pair bonding and the long periods which paired birds spend sitting together.
Some species are kept as pets, and several color mutations were selectively bred in
aviculture.
At first, Lovebirds were maintained mainly because of its beautiful color of the
fur. But nowadays as the time goes by, the trend is changing. People are keeping
Lovebirds for pet because of its sound. Also the chances in farming business are booming
for the past two years until now. That is why in this paper we are going to discuss about
management of love birds farming.
1.2. Problems
1. How many breed of Lovebirds that exist in the world?
2. How is the management of Lovebird farming?
3. What kind of disease that could affecting Lovebirds health?
1.3. Purposes
1. To know the breed of Lovebirds and the distribution
2. To know the management of Lovebird farming
3. To know the disease that affecting Lovebirds health

CHAPTER II
Discussion
2.1. Breed of Lovebirds
1. Grey head Lovebird / Madagascar Lovebird (Agapornis cana)
Generally, the color of feathers (in the body) is green; light green on the tunggir
and more yellowish on the bottom; head, neck, and chest is gray; under the wings
are black; tail is green-half light
grey; iris are dark brown; legs are
grey.
Madagascar Lovebird is a rare
species and its not a kind of most
bred. Male and female lovebirds can
be easily distinguished from the fur
color. In the male lovebird, the
feathers on the head and chest are
pale grey, whereas female lovebird
almost entirely green.
Distribution: Madagascar
2. Red face Lovebird (Agapornis pullaria)
Feathers on the body are zqgenerally green, slightly yellowish in the
bottom; forehead and face are
red-orange; tunggir is bright
blue; under the wing feathers
are

black; green

tail; orange red beak; iris

dark brown; gray legs.
This kind of lovebird is
difficult to breed in
captivity. Males and females
can be distinguished from the color of feathers under the wings. Female bird
feathers are entirely green, while the male feathers at the bottom are black.
Distribution: Central Africa and Middle-West Africa
3. Black wings Lovebird / Abyssinian Lovebird (Agapornis taranta)

Body feathers are generally green, slightly yellowish in the bottom; forehead,
LORUS and red eye circles; wings are full
with

black feathers; under the wing feathers are

black; green tail; dark red beak; dark brown
iris; gray legs.
Males and
distinguished

females
from

the

are

very

color

of

easily
their

feathers. Entirely female bird feathers are green,

while the male feathers are red color on the forehead, lorus, and surround the
eyes. Madagascar lovebird mutations color is cinnamon (yellowish brown)
Distribution: Ethiopian highlands
4. Black collar Lovebird (Agapornis swinderniana)
Generally green, slightly paler on the head and lower body, tunggir is black and
blue, at the bottom of the wing
feathers are green, green tail feathers; narrow black
collar on the nape of their neck, around collar on
the neck is yellow and sometimes with a little
color fading; black-grayish beak; yellow
iris; yellow-green to black legs.
Black collar lovebirds are difficult to
breed in captivity.
Distribution: West Africa and Central Africa
5. Salmon face Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)
Green (generally), more yellow in the lower body, feathers on the forehead and
back of the eye is red, lorus, cheeks,
throat and upper chest pink; tunggir is
bright blue; at the bottom of the wings
are green with a little blue touch,
upper tail feathers are green, the bottom
is blue; beak is ivory; dark brown
iris; gray legs.
Mostly, this type of lovebird have a beautiful coat.
Among the types of lovebird, Salmon face lovebird has the loudest voice. This
kind of lovebird is most easily bred.

In captivity it should be maintained in pairs. Because it does not fit if they were
maintained in groups or combined with other bird species.
Between males and females are relatively difficult to distinguish. Color of
lovebird mutations are albino (white fur, red eyes), lutino lovebird (yellow fur, red
eyes), cherry golden lovebird (yellow gold to pink), pied lovebird (color
patches), cinnamon lovebird (fawn) and blue lovebird.
Distribution: South-West Africa
6. Glasses fischer Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri)
Feather is generally green, more yellowish on the lower part of the body;
forehead,
on the
and

cheeks and throat are red orange; the hair

other head faded green; upper chest
collar around the neck yellow; upper
tail light blue; under part of the
wings

blue

and

green; green

tail; ring
the

around

eyes

is

white; red beak; brown iris; foot light gray

Glasses fischer lovebird include in easy developed bred. Between male and
females lovebird are relatively difficult to distinguish.
Distribution: Tanzania
7. Google mask lovebird (Agapornis personata)
Generally green; forehead, lorus, the crown, and cheeks brownish-black front; the
hair on the head
blackish

color

faded; throat
orange

reddish

color; on the chest

and collar around
the neck yellow;
green

tail

feathers; ring around the eyes is white; red beak; brown iris; gray legs.
Distribution: Central and West Tanzania
8. Glasses black cheek Lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis)
Generally green, more yellowish on the lower body and tunggir; forehead and
front head crown reddish brown; fontanel back and nape dark yellowish green;

lorus,

esophagus,

and

cheeks are brownish-black,

upper chest pale orangered; green
around

tail; ring
the

eyes

white; dark
beak; brown

is
red

iris; feet

greyish brown.
Lovebird glasses black
cheek generally difficult
to find in the market because this bird has been restricted for export to another
country. These birds can be kept in groups even mixed with other birds.
Distribution: Zambia, Southwestern and Northwestern part of Zimbabwe
2.2. Lovebird Farming Management
2.2.1. Breeding
Lovebirds should not be bred unless they are a year old and sexually
mature. Lovebirds can and sometimes do breed before a year; however, this can
cause complications. If a lovebird is setup with a mate and a nesting box is
installed, then courting and mating will follow.
Breeding Cage
Minimum size: 70 cm long x 40 cm deep X 50 cm high
Cages for Lovebirds
1. Individual cage is a better choice for the breeding pair
2. Stainless steel wire cage or chromium plated cage mounted over a
rough plastic bore is a perfect choice
3. The base and wire part of the cage is to be attached with special clips;
so that basal part could be removed easily for cleaning purpose
4. Cages shall be placed in raised position, so as to provide the birds the
feeling of security
5. Minimum size for a pair of lovebirds should not be less than 50 cm in
diameter and 70 cm tall
Note: - A square or rectangular based cage is a better choice due to

availability of increased volume.

Nest Box
Any form of compact activity (earthern pot/wooden box) with an entrance

hole of about 5 cm in diameter is more than sufficient to lay eggs.The size

of box is 15-17.5 cm square and 25 cm high. One nest box for each pair of
birds. In case if you've taken the nest box for cleaning purpose, an
alternates one should be kept in the same position for roosting of birds.
Breeding is easy with peach faced love birds and mass breeding is
successful in most species of lovebirds.
1. The entrance hole should be just below roof.
2. A short perch should be affixed below entrance hole, so that bird can
rest before entry (or) exit.
3. Access door (with rain proof facility) is a must, so that nest may be

examined in case of emergency.

Eggs of Lovebirds
1. Usually 1-4 eggs will be laid by a female lovebird, which is the usual
clutch size. (9 eggs from a single bird is also recorded). Incubation
period is 21 to 23 days.
2. Laid every two weeks
3. Serious incubation will not commence until after the 2nd and 3rd egg
has been laid, thus hatching time of all chicks occur within a day or
two.

2.2.2. Housing
Minimum cage size for a single lovebird is a wire cage 30 x 30 x 18. Bar
spacing should not be more than of an inch apart. Lovebirds are active and need
toys to keep them entertained. Cockatiel sized toys are most appropriate for your
lovebird. Toys made for parakeets are often too small and flimsy for the
industrious beak of the lovebird. You will soon find which toys your lovebird
prefers to play with, including favorite colors and material types after spending
some time with them. Perches of varied diameter work best (3/8 to 3/4 inches).
The surface should be slightly irregular so it is easier to grip. Do not use
sandpaper perch covers.
It is important to keep the cage and accessories clean. Cage paper should
be changed daily, and food and water bowls should be washed every day. Cages
should be disinfected at least once every two weeks.
Placement of the cage should be well thought out. It should be in a quiet
part of an active room (like the family room) so your lovebird knows it is part of
the flock, but also feels safe at the same time. It is best to cover the cage at night.

All birds have sensitive respiratory systems. They breathe the same air at
least twice. They should not be exposed to smoke, room deodorizers, scented
candles, or any noticeable fumes. Teflon and other non-stick polymers will break
down if overheated and create toxic fumes that can kill birds anywhere in your
home
2.2.3. Feeding
Lovebirds eat a variety of seeds, fruits, berries and vegetation such as leaf
buds in the wild. Some species have been known to attack farmers' crops and are
recognized as pests in their natural environment.
Fruits, vegetables and greens should account for approximately 20 - 25%
of the daily diet. Pale vegetables, with a high water composition (i.e. Iceberg or
Head lettuce, celery) offer very little nutritional value. Avocado is reported to be
potentially toxic.
Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly to remove chemicals.
Cut them into manageable pieces depending on the size of the bird. It is not
necessary to take the skin off. Offer fruits and vegetables in a separate dish. If
your bird appears to develop a particular fancy for one food item, reduce its
volume or stop feeding it temporarily to promote the eating of other foods.
Treat your bird like a small child; offer a small piece of a variety of food

items daily and never stop trying.

A well balanced diet must be maintained at all times.
Water
Fresh clean water must be available at all times. Depending on the quality of the
tap water, consider the use of bottled water. Dishes must be cleaned thoroughly
every day with soap and water.

2.3. Diseases that Affecting Lovebirds Health

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=id&u=http://omkicau.com/artikellengkap/lovebird-love-bird/&prev=search
http://birds.about.com/od/breedingbasics/p/lvbirdbb.htm
http://www.parrotfeather.com/lovebird/breeding_lovebirds.php
http://www.africanlovebirdsociety.com/lovebirdcare/
http://www.goodbirdinc.com/parrot-profiles-lovebird.html