Feeding Lovebirds
Lovebirds are not difficult birds to feed, and they will thrive if
given a mixture of seeds and some green-food daily. Plain canary-seed,
millet of various types (especially panicum), and sunflower seed make up
most mixtures, given in a ratio of approximately 3:2:2. Oats are
sometimes used as a supplementary foodstuff, generally offered soaked
during during the breeding season. Seed should only be purchased from a
reliable source, preferably in bags, and then stored in bins to keep it
dry and away from rodents.
Soaked Seed
When seed is immersed in water, it is encouraged to sprout and the
chemical changes, which would naturally accompany germination, take
place thus altering its feeding value. Vitamin and protein levels
increase, while the seed itself is also rendered more digestive.
Therefore, soaked seed is commonly fed when there are chicks in the
nest, and to birds recovering from illness. It can also be offered daily
throughout the year, and contributes a useful variation to diet.
Only small amounts should be prepared at any one time, because molds
soon develop on such seed. Feeding containers, separate from those used
for dry seed are necessary.
Green-food
Greenstuff, such as fresh-cut lettuce, chickweed or spinach beet is
popular with most lovebirds. Spinach has the additional advantage that,
when planted in a garden, a supply is generally available throughout the
year, even during the winter.
Grit and Cuttlefish
Both are important sources of essential minerals, with grit serving
also to assist with the digestion of food, and they should always be
available to the birds. Cuttlefish bone is a major source of calcium,
required particularly during the breeding season for sound egg-shells
and a healthy skeletal structure in the chicks.
Additional Food Supplements
A range of high-protein softbill-type mixes are now available and
will be valuable, especially during the breeding season, if the birds
will take this food. Various tonics can also be beneficial, providing
they are used as directed. Harmful side-effects may well result from the
overuse of such products.
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