Recently I was talking to a friend about her new lovebirds.
She’s so excited to set up the ideal environment for her new parrots!
Lovebirds are some of the most popular pet parrots out there thanks to their small size and charming personality, so I knew that she wasn’t the only one with these questions.
Lovebirds are relatively easy keepers, another reason they are a popular pet choice.
However, it is important to keep their climate and habitat in mind.
You don’t want your bird to become too hot or too cold, and this climate control can be a challenge depending on where you live.
Let’s answer my friend’s most pressing question about her new parrots.
At what temperature should lovebirds be kept?
The ideal temperature for lovebirds is around 70-80°F (21-27°C). Each individual bird is different, so a good rule of thumb is that if you are comfortable then your bird is most likely comfortable. Don’t let their habitat exceed 80°F as this could lead to overheating and dehydration.
A healthy bird will be resilient to some temperature changes outside of this range so don’t panic if your house gets colder in the winter.
Most of the time a cold house is easily solved.
Start by simply covering their cage to provide extra insulation.
You can also move their cage to the warmest area of the house or add a space heater.
Other tips for climate control include keeping your lovebirds’ cage off the floor, away from drafty areas, and away from windows and vents.
Keep in mind that direct hot or cold air from our house’s heating and cooling systems can dramatically alter cage temperature even when the house itself is within a normal range.
Can lovebirds handle cold temperatures?
While your lovebird will be most comfortable within the 70–80°F range, they are physical able to withstand colder temperatures.
In the wild lovebirds live in a range of habitats, mostly inland grassland and woodland environments all over the African continent.
This variation means that some birds experience temperatures well below freezing at night, so they are quite hardy birds.
Of course, our pet lovebirds are not generally accustomed to that level of cold and it is not advised to keep your bird outside in those conditions.
If you do live in a colder region then help your bird adapt by slowly allowing them to acclimate.
If temperatures drop to around 40-50°F then don’t worry too much, just keep an eye on your bird and bring them into a warmer environment if they are cold or unhappy.
Do lovebirds need a heat lamp?
In general, if you have a healthy adult bird then you won’t need to add extra heat.
Most house temperatures will be suitable for a lovebird.
There are a few instances where it can be helpful though. If you have a young bird, an elderly bird, or a sick bird then you may want to help them by regulating the temperature.
If you live somewhere that gets very cold in the winter then adding a heat source can also be a good choice.
A heat lamp with a ceramic bulb is one option for providing safe warmth.
These can be clipped to the cage (at a safe distance so they cannot reach it) and will not be a fire hazard.
If you do use a lamp make sure that your bird has the space to move away from it or closer to it if they choose.
Another option is a heat panel that hangs outside of the cage.
These usually have an adjustable temperature option so you can control their climate more precisely.
There are also lots of other options for warming your bird’s cage.
First off, provide them with warm housing within their existing space.
A fleece hut or a house with plenty of fluffy bedding may be all your bird needs.
You can also cover their cage with a blanket, especially at night when they won’t be missing out on light and social interaction.
Can lovebirds be kept outside?
Yes! Lovebirds can definitely be kept outside.
In fact, they love the warm sunlight and fresh air.
However, keep in mind that seasons, when your bird can be kept outside, will depend on your climate.
If you live in a colder climate or a place with big seasonal changes, then only keep your lovebirds outside during spring and summer.
If you live somewhere quite warm then bring them inside during the intense warm months.
If you are lucky enough to live in a tropical climate then you can keep your lovebirds outside all year long!
You can buy or build an aviary that will allow your lovebirds plenty of room for flight, play, and exercise.
There are a few important considerations when keeping a bird outside.
Once you have established that the climate is safe, you need to think about other predators.
Make sure your aviary is safe from racoons, cats, dogs, and other types of prey.
You must also ensure that your bird gets ample social interaction.
This can be a bit harder if they are outside, as you will likely not be spending as much time in the same space as them.
If you do decide to keep your bird outside, then consider getting a pair so that they have plenty of social interaction.
If you have a single lovebird then perhaps keeping them inside but taking them on frequent outings to the garden for a bath would be a way to give them time in an outdoor climate without losing out on social interaction.
What are the signs that my lovebird is too hot or too cold?
The best way to tell if your bird is being kept in an appropriate temperature is to simply make sure that they aren’t too cold or hot.
If your bird is too cold they will fluff up their feathers to create insulation.
If they stay fluffed up for an extended period of time (i.e. not just for grooming or bathing) then they may be too cold.
On the flip side, a bird that’s too hot will hold their wings away from their body and pant.
Make sure you provide plenty of drinking water and baths for birds in the summer, and always bring them into a cooler environment if you notice panting.
If you pay close attention to your bird’s signals and create a stable environment then no matter where you live you will be able to keep your lovebirds healthy and safe from the elements.