Breeding masked lovebirds: Awesome Priced Advice, Caring, Tips
Breeding masked lovebirds – content creator: Petrus A. van Tonder
(Agapornis personata)
Photos courtesy Ronny de Smet
They are seen as the most attractive members of the genus due to their distinctive markings and coloring.
In the wild, they live in grassy steppes interspersed with baobab trees and acacias, at altitudes of up to 5 000 feet. They breed in colonies from March to August. Preferred nesting cavities are knotholes of baobab trees, but masked lovebirds will nest in walls and even in abandoned swifts’ nests.
The females rarely lay clutches of more than four eggs. They primarily feed on the seeds of grasses and herbs, which they also pick off the ground while walking rapidly.
For captive breeding, everything that supports the birds’ natural instincts will assist in breeding. Easily built wooden nesting boxes are best, even though they are not very durable. Perches on the boxes are not essential, but having one will facilitate the birds’ entrance, and the male likes to sit on it during the incubation period.
If you don’t mind their somewhat shrill cries, you will enjoy these delightful roommates, who can become quite tame and confident if they are allowed free flight in your home, adequately supervised.
They will soon become very clever, returning regularly to their cage, as long as they are not fed anywhere else. Supervision is important for the sake of furniture and drapes. They also need to be protected from exposure to poisonous plants, as they are very curious and gnaw at everything. A special treat such as spray millet or greens will bring them back to the cage.
Breeding masked lovebirds can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to ensure the health and well-being of the birds. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started:
Understanding Masked Lovebirds
Masked lovebirds (Agapornis personatus) are small, colorful parrots known for their strong pair bonds. They typically have a black “mask” on their faces, bright green bodies, and blue tail feathers. Proper care and understanding of their needs are essential for successful breeding.
Preparation
- Selecting Breeding Pairs:
- Healthy Birds: Ensure both the male and female lovebirds are healthy, mature (typically 1-2 years old), and free from any genetic defects.
- Bonded Pairs: Lovebirds form strong bonds. It’s best to breed pairs that have already bonded naturally.
- Housing:
- Spacious Cage: Provide a large cage with ample space for flying and exercise. A cage size of at least 24x24x24 inches is recommended.
- Nest Box: Install a wooden nest box inside the cage. The box should be about 8x8x8 inches with a 2-inch entrance hole.
- Diet and Nutrition:
- Balanced Diet: Offer a diet rich in seeds, pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Calcium supplements are essential, especially for the female.
- Fresh Water: Ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water.
Breeding Process for Masked Lovebirds
- Introducing the Nest Box:
- Timing: Place the nest box in the cage and allow the birds to get accustomed to it. They will start exploring and preparing the nest.
- Materials: Provide nesting materials such as shredded paper, softwood shavings, and dried grass.
- Mating and Egg Laying:
- Courtship: Observe for signs of courtship behavior such as mutual preening, feeding each other, and mating displays.
- Egg Laying: The female will lay eggs every other day, typically producing a clutch of 4-6 eggs.
- Incubation:
- Female’s Role: The female will incubate the eggs for about 21-23 days. The male will feed her during this period.
- Environment: Maintain a stable and quiet environment to avoid stressing the birds.
Caring for Chicks
- Hatching:
- Observation: The eggs will start hatching after 21-23 days. The chicks are born blind and featherless.
- Feeding: The parents will feed the chicks regurgitated food. Ensure they have plenty of nutritious food available.
- Growth and Development:
- Feathering: The chicks will start to grow feathers within a few weeks.
- Fledging: At around 4-6 weeks, the chicks will begin to leave the nest and explore the cage.
- Weaning:
- Introduction to Solid Food: Around 6-8 weeks, the chicks will start eating on their own. Provide soft foods to help them transition.
Post-breeding Care
- Health Check:
- Vet Visit: Take the chicks for a health check-up to ensure they are developing properly.
- Parental Care: Monitor the parents’ health and give them a break from breeding if necessary.
- Housing for Chicks:
- Separate Cage: Once weaned, move the chicks to a separate cage to avoid overcrowding and to help them become independent.
- Socialization:
- Handling: Regularly handle the chicks to socialize them and make them comfortable with human interaction.
Additional Tips
- Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of breeding pairs, hatch dates, and any health issues.
- Patience: Breeding lovebirds requires patience and dedication. Avoid disturbing the birds too often.
- Research: Continuously educate yourself about lovebird care and breeding techniques to ensure the best outcomes.
By following these guidelines, you can create a healthy and supportive environment for breeding masked lovebirds, ensuring the well-being of both the parents and the chicks.
You might also be interested in breeding Fisher’s lovebirds.
Here is a great post about feeding lovebirds.
This article, breeding masked lovebirds, is also available in the following FREE Standard magazine:
https://www.wwbirds.co.za/dir/download/free-world-wide-birds-magazine-vol-1-no-5/
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