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Fischer's Lovebird
Common Names:
Fischer's Lovebird, Black Masked Lovebird, & Blue Masked
Lovebird.
Scientific Name:
Agapornis fischeri
Origin:
Central Africa
Relative Size:
Small 48-53 grams
Average Lifespan:
10 – 20 years.
General:
Of all the lovebird species, the Fischer's Lovebird is the most
striking, if not one of the most beautiful parrots available. They
have bright green plumage around the breast area, and a yellow bib
around the neck. The bib’s base color is yellow and gradually
blends with bright hues of orange, red, and brown. The lovebird has
a white ring around its eye. The wings and tail are covered with
dark green feathers. These birds resemble rainbows and can easily
compete with Rainbow Lorikeets. Most people who see a Fischer's
Lovebird will quickly understand why they are becoming so popular in
the parrot market.
Purchasing & Cost: Buying a handfed
Fischer’s Lovebird is ideal if you want a tame & loving pet. They
range anywhere from $45.00 – $130. Price really depends on where
you buy from. Lovebirds bred in an aviary are cheaper and not
recommended if you want to handle your bird. A breeder who hand
feeds is usually more cost effective and spends more time
socializing the babies. These birds breed readily so finding a
local breeder should not be hard. If a local breeder cannot be
found, pet stores also sell Fischer’s Lovebirds. Buying form a
franchise pet store can make it difficult finding a handfed
lovebird. Handfed lovebirds are easier to tame and ideal for pet
handling.
Fischer's Lovebirds will breed year round, and the
female will produce 3 – 5 eggs every other day. The eggs hatch 21 –
23 days after incubation. Breeders will usually keep the babies
with their mother for 10 – 14 days before they are removed for hand
feeding. Weaning can take as long as six weeks, if the baby is kept
alone.
Breeders, Behavior, & Diet:
When purchasing a Fischer’s Lovebird try and find a reputable
breeder. You can find a good breeder by word of mouth or just by
asking around! It’s important to ensure your lovebird is properly
socialized before you buy him. A properly socialized parrot will
not be timid and will gladly enjoy interaction with you. This does
not mean that they will not be a little shy, as they need to get use
to you still. Along with being socialized well, the breeder should
have already weaned the baby. It’s important the baby eats a
variety of foods to ensure optimal health. If your lovebird does
not eat moist foods such as leafy greens, vegetables, or fruits;
start to gradually introduce them into his diet. Most Fischer's
Lovebirds will not eat new foods, but placing a dish inside the cage
daily will encourage them to try. The key here is persistence and
patience.
Tricks:
Fischer's
Lovebirds can do many tricks. Though they cannot manipulate objects
with one hand, they can still wave, turn around, and place objects
into boxes. The amount of tricks that your parrot can perform is
limited to your imagination. Be creative, these birds can learn
many things and will gladly perform tricks for praise or treats.
Talking: Fischer's
Lovebirds are not great at talking. They have been known to talk,
but most do not. The voice of a lovebird is described as raspy and
unclear; nonetheless, there is a very small chance yours will talk.
Males/Females & DNA Sexing:
Fischer's Lovebirds are sexually monomorphic. This means they
cannot be sexed visually since males and females look very similar.
Some breeders can sex lovebirds visually; however, the most reliable
way is though DNA sexing. This is 99.9% accurate and very
affordable. DNA sexing can cost anywhere from $15 – $25 dollars per
test, depending on which lab you go through. The procedure starts
by sending anywhere from 2 – 4 feathers to the lab (depending on the
species or size of your bird). Results can be expected as soon as 1
– 2 business days, or can be emailed, faxed, or phoned. You will
usually be provided with a certificate of some sort as well. A lab
can be found online, though a local breeder, or at a pet store.
Both males and females make great pets. Females can
become a bit nippy during the breeding season and more territorial.
To avoid this type of behavior, move the cage around to new
locations and rearrange perches and toys inside the cage.
Mutations/Colors:
Fischer's Lovebirds come in a variety of mutations. The most
popular mutation is the Lutino. Lutino’s have a bright yellow body
and an orange head. The next most popular mutation is the Blue
Fischer's Lovebird. They resemble a Black Masked Lovebird with less
of a mask. There are so many color combinations that you will find
a lovebird to your liking. Most prefer the original color, while a
few prefer mutations. Whatever mutation you choose, it will make no
difference in behavior.
Precautions:
Since these birds are curious, extra precaution should be practiced
when your lovebird is out of his cage. They are small and can
easily be stepped on. They can also get into everyday household
substances that can make them very ill or cause death. These birds
need to be taught to play on their stands and not be encouraged to
wander off. How can this be done? Every time your lovebird decides
to wonder off his stand, place him back. It only takes a few times
before he understand his boundaries. It is important to be one step
ahead of your lovebird; they are very inquisitive and can easily get
into trouble. |
