How to House Lovebirds: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Co-authored byPippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: December 21, 2021

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   Choose an 18”x18”x18” (45x45x45 cm) wire cage for one bird. If you have a pair of lovebirds, then pick a wire cage that is at least 32 inches wide, 20 inches long, and 20 inches high (81x50x50 cm). In general, any medium to large-sized flight cage will work for one to two lovebirds.^[1]

   • Try to pick a cage that has horizontal bars in addition to vertical bars. The horizontal bars will allow your bird to climb the cage, an activity lovebirds enjoy.
   • Because lovebirds are active birds that like to fly back and forth, the bigger the cage the better.
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   Pick a cage with bars no greater than 3/8 inches (.953 cm) apart. If the bars are wider than this, then your lovebirds will try to escape through them. Attempting to escape through the bars can cause them to get stuck in them, or actually escape, which you do not want.^[2]

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   Make sure the cage doors have locks. Lovebirds are creative, intelligent birds, which means they can learn to open unsecured doors. To prevent your lovebirds from escaping, choose a cage that comes with locks on entry and feeder doors.^[3]

   See Also

   The Best Lovebird Cage for 2022 - Bird NatureBest Cages for Love Birds: Top Picks for a Comfortable HabitatLovebird Cage Size/Setup (A Easy And Helpful Guide)The Ultimate LoveBird Care Guide For Beginners (April 2024)

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   Pick a cage with removable trays. Trays at the bottom of the cage catch debris, like food and feces. Choose a cage with a removable tray to simplify the cleaning of your lovebirds' cage. This way, you only need to slide out the tray to clean it instead of having to remove everything from inside the cage.^[4]

   • Line the tray with the appropriate substrate or habitat paper to further simplify the cleaning process.
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   Purchase a cage cover. Cage covers are great for helping your lovebirds feel safe and secure during the night. They also block out light and other noises that might disturb your birds while they sleep. Just make sure to choose a cover that is especially designed for birds.

   • Do not use towels or other bedding material to cover the cage. Your bird's claws may get stuck in these types of covers, or they may pick at the cover and choke on the fibers.

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   Place the cage in a family room. Lovebirds like to feel like they are a part of the family. Place your lovebird's cage in the living room, den, or another room where you and your family members spend a lot of time. The only exception is the kitchen. Smoke and cooking fumes from the kitchen can aggravate your bird's respiratory system, or even suffocate it.

   • Even the fumes from non-stick or Teflon pans can be toxic to birds. Keep birds in a well-ventilated area away from these fumes.
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   Position the cage against the wall. A wall on one side of the cage will provide a sense of security for your lovebird(s). If all of the cage's walls are exposed, your lovebird will also feel exposed, causing it to feel anxious or threatened.^[5]

   • A wall will also allow your bird to face away from the family when it wants some privacy, or does not feel like interacting with the family.
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   Avoid placing the cage in drafty areas. Try not to place the cage directly under or next to an air conditioning vent. Cold air constantly blowing on your bird may cause it to develop a cold, especially if your bird is wet after a bath.^[6]

   • Additionally, place the cage on top of a table or shelf instead of on the floor to avoid air drafts.
   • If the temperature is too cold or hot for you, it is probably not comfortable for a bird either.
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   Avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause your bird's cage to overheat. Temperatures higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius) can dehydrate your bird, leading to heatstroke and possibly death. Wherever you place the cage, just make sure there are intervals of sunshine and shade.^[7]

   • While a little indirect sunlight is good for the bird, do not place the cage in direct sunlight, as the bird may overheat. Keep the cage in a well-lit area away from windows.

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   Provide at least three perches. If you have a pair of lovebirds, then you may want to provide four or more perches. All of the perches should be at least four inches long and half of an inch in diameter (10x1.3 cm). Additionally, provide a variety of perches made from different materials, like natural branch, wood dowel, cement, and therapeutic perches.^[8]

   • Swinging perches are also a great choice.
   • Do not use sandpaper-covered perches, or plastic perches.
   • Perches provide exercise and help prevent arthritis.
2. See Also

   Choosing The Perfect Bird Cage For Your Lovebirds: A Detailed Guide - Tame Feathers

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   Supply the cage with three bowls. One bowl should be for water, one for pellets/seeds, and one for fresh foods like vegetables and fruits. To avoid contaminating the food and water bowls with feces, do not place them underneath the perches. Instead, place them in a clean area away from the perches.^[9]

   • Additionally, if you are not using a misting bottle to bathe your birds, make sure to provide a flat earthenware dish for bathing instead.
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   Provide a variety of toys. Make sure to purchase toys that are bird-friendly and sized appropriately for your birds. Your birds should have at least three toys at one time. Rotate the toys so your birds will not get bored. Also, periodically check the toys to make sure they are not broken or damaged. If you find any broken or damaged toys, make sure to remove and replace them.

   • Some great examples of toys are food puzzles, as well as wooden, shiny, rope, plastic, and foraging toys.You can also hide food in balled up paper or cardboard boxes to encourage foraging behavior.
   • Avoid giving your birds toys with small parts that can be chewed off and ingested, or toys that have long strings/cords/threads that your birds can become entangled in. Metal chains and bells are also hazardous for birds.
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   Hang a nest box. Because lovebirds like special resting places, nest boxes are a great way to fulfill this necessity. Provide a nest box for each bird. Also place the boxes up high and at the same level to discourage competition and fighting.^[10]

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