How Many Love Birds Can I Keep In One Cage [Number Guide] (2024)

Good day, fellow bird owners! Love birds are a small group of parrot species. But do you know do people call them love birds? ‘Social and affectionate, the name comes from the parrots’ strong, monogamous pair bonding and the long periods which paired birds spend sitting together.’

That’s right. But how many love birds can I keep in one cage?

The truth is- The general number of lovebirds to keep in one cage is one pair of opposite sex. This helps them bond with each other and have enough space to fly around and exercise. If you have more than two, it is still possible to keep them together, but you need a larger spaced cage and close monitoring.

Wait, that’s not all! Today, I’ll try to share their social behavior as pet birds, space and cage size requirements for lovebirds, the difference between pairing and group housing for lovebirds, and more!

Love Bird As Pets: Understanding The Social Behavior

As charming and affectionate companions, lovebirds are a favorite choice for bird owners worldwide. Whether you’re contemplating a single lovebird or a pair of lovebirds, understanding their social behavior is vital to their well-being and happiness.

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These active and intelligent birds come in various species, (peach-faced lovebirds, Abyssinian lovebirds, black-masked lovebirds, etc.), each with its unique characteristics.

For instance, Peach-faced lovebirds are the most common type of lovebird. Peach-faced lovebirds are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. On the other hand, Black-cheeked lovebirds are native to Southwest Zambia. They are known for their intelligence and trainability.

Unfortunately, az animals have shared a piece of bad news- ‘Sadly, the black-cheeked lovebird is considered the most endangered of the lovebird species. Although not technically endangered, the birds are listed as a “vulnerable species” due to population decline from loss of habitat.’

Another common behavior in lovebird pairs is that they mourn and become depressed when their partner passes away. The single bird shows symptoms of grief, sadness, and loneliness. The loss of a mate can be very difficult for it to cope with.

In this situation, consider getting your lovebird a new companion. However, it is important to introduce the birds slowly and carefully to avoid any aggression.

How Many Love Birds Can I Keep In One Cage

I made a mistake- To keep many budgies in one cage! I had one budgie. Then I managed to add another budgie to cage, and at a certain point, too many parakeets to cage in one small space! It was a nightmare!

That’s why understanding the ideal number of lovebirds to keep in a single lovebird cage involves a delicate balance. Your decision on how many love birds in one cage should account for the species of lovebird, the size of the lovebird cage, the personality of these pet birds, and so on. Let me show some factors-

Species Of Love Birds And Compatibility:

Some species of lovebirds are more territorial than others. For instance, Fischer’s lovebirds are known for being more aggressive than peach-faced lovebirds. So, consider the compatible species of lovebirds when deciding on a lovebird pair or group.

Size Of A Lovebird Cage:

These pet birds need enough space to fly around and exercise. A bird cage be too big but too small can lead to overcrowding and stress. Are round cages bad? Well, I think its best to avoid them.

Personality:

Lovebirds have different personalities, so it is important to consider how compatible the birds are before keeping them together. Some lovebirds are more territorial than others, and some birds may simply not get along.

Sex:

Female lovebirds can be aggressive towards each other, especially if they are not kept in pairs. It is generally best to keep female lovebirds in pairs or with a male lovebird.

So, how many birds can you keep in a cage? Well, the ideal number of lovebirds to keep in one cage is two. Lovebirds typically form strong pair bonds, so they thrive in pairs. But, can you have 3 lovebirds together? If you have more than two lovebirds, it is possible to keep them together, but it is important to monitor the birds closely for signs of aggression or stress.

Space And Cage Size Requirements For Love Birds

Most newbie bird owners often wonder, ‘How many love birds can I keep in one cage?’ Before you rush to buy pet birds from pet stores or adopt from any animal shelter, you need to select the ideal bird cage. Even a single lovebird requires adequate space to move, exercise, and play. A too-small cage can lead to boredom, frustration, and aggression.

The ideal lovebird cage size for a single bird or a pair of lovebirds is 32 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 20 inches tall. If you have more than two lovebirds, you will need to provide them with a larger cage. Many use a ferret cage for birds.

Add a minimum of 4 types of perches, feeding bowls, water dishes, and other cage accessories. Make sure the cage has bar spacing of no more than ½”. Here are some more tips for maintaining lovebirds in cages:

• Add plenty of toys and perches to the cage to keep your lovebirds entertained and stimulated.
• Monitor your lovebirds closely for signs of aggression or stress. If you notice any signs of aggression or stress, it is important to use separate cages for the birds immediately.
• Clean your lovebird’s cage regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
• hang bird cage from ceiling to avoid unwanted interruption.
• The cage should be covered at night to prevent drafts and disturbances. Lovebirds like special resting places. Nest boxes placed up high, all at the same level and all of the same type work well and help prevent fights. A nest box for a lovebird is 8″ x 8″ x 8″ (20 x 20 x 20 cm) or 10″ x 6″ x 6″ (25 x 15 x 15 cm).

Pairing Vs. Group Housing

The best way to house your lovebirds depends on your individual circ*mstances and preferences. Let me share the different aspects of pairing and group housing for love birds–

Signs Of Overcrowding In Love Birds

Lovebirds are social creatures, but they can still become stressed if they are overcrowded. Here are some signs of overcrowding you may notice in lovebirds-

Behavioral Changes:

• Accelerating aggression, especially among active birds like the peach-faced lovebird.
• Unusual stress-related behaviors in playful birds, like feather plucking, weight loss, and lethargy.

Health Issues:

• Higher tendency to diseases, in overcrowded lovebird cages.
• More frequent breeding issues affect female lovebirds in particular.

Constant Fighting:

• It takes work for single lovebirds to find personal space in an overcrowded lovebird cage.
• Lovebirds can be territorial, especially if they are not kept in pairs. If they feel like their territory is being invaded, they may fight to defend it.
• ​​Overcrowded lovebirds may fight over food, water, toys, and perches.

Activity Level:

• Decrease in activity and playtime in spite of them being active animals in general.
• Impact on the overall well-being of pet birds in an overcrowded bird cage.

Recognizing these signs of overcrowding is vital to maintaining a healthy and harmonious environment for your lovebirds. Mspca Angell has shared some warnings-

‘Signs of illness to be aware of are if a bird seems withdrawn, feathers are ruffled and the plumage is dull, sits with its eyes closed for long periods of time, eyes are watery or dull, runny nose, sleeps a lot, loses interest in its environment and stays at its feed dish. The droppings may change color and be loose. Also, a lot of tail bobbing, dropping off its perch, odd breathing, sneezing, and excessive scratching.’

If you notice any of these signs in your lovebirds, it is crucial to take steps to reduce overcrowding. You can do this by providing a larger cage, adding many toys in a bird cage, or relocating the birds into separate cages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, the answer to the question- how many love birds can I keep in one cage? is not one-size-fits-all. Typically, you can keep one lone bird or one pair of birds in one flight cage, or more than 2 birds in larger flight cages or separate cages.

Moreover, the welfare of your love birds is very important when deciding how many can coexist in one cage. Pet stores can provide valuable insights, but ultimately, the decision depends on various factors, like the cage size, individual bird needs, and compatibility.

If you are unsure whether do you have to buy love birds in pairs or just a single bird will do, or which option is right for you, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian or avian behaviorist. Whether you choose to house a single bird or more, always prioritize their well-being, and ensure that they enjoy a happy and harmonious life in their shared space.

So, what do you think about having lovebirds pairs? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below!