Violet Lovebirds ( Expert Opinion )

Last Updated on April 7, 2023 by Ali Shahid

Lovebirds are known for their beautiful colors and unique personalities, which make them popular pets for bird lovers all around the world. One of the reasons for their popularity is the wide variety of mutations that have produced lovebirds in different colors and patterns.

Among these mutations, the Violet Lovebird stands out for its stunning appearance and charming personality. All lovebird species exhibit the violet color mutation, which is inherited as a dominant trait.

It means that only one parent needs to have the violet gene in order to produce a violet lovebird. As a result, they have become popular breeding birds, with many other violet variations available as well.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the Violet Lovebird and explore why it has become a popular choice for bird enthusiasts.

Origin and History of Violet Lovebirds

Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar are home to most lovebird species. Lovebird fossils from as far back as 1.9 million years ago have been discovered in South Africa. They’ve gained a lot of popularity as house pets in recent years.

Lovebirds have been the subject of selective breeding to create new color varieties. This process resulted in many mutations and new hues, including the violet lovebird. No one knows for sure when or where these violet birds were initially created or by whom.

The gene responsible for the lovebird’s violet plumage is dominant; therefore, the mutation may be passed on with just one violet parent. Nevertheless, the gene is not split, meaning the bird will either have the trait or not.

Appearance

There are many shades of violet lovebirds, varying from very light lavender to a very dark purple. If both parents have the dominant gene, the child will probably have a darker skin tone (called “double factor violet”).

As an alternative, if only one parent has the dominant gene, the result is more likely to be a lighter, lavender color. This mutation can happen to all three types of lovebirds that are often kept as pets, and it can change the color of the birds in small ways.

Most of the time, the mutation won’t change the white faces and chests of peach-faced lovebirds or Fischer’s lovebirds.

As for the black-masked lovebirds, they have violet bodies and black faces. They’re all stocky with short tails, and they all have hooked bills.

Personality and Sound

Violet Lovebirds are known to be energetic, playful, and affectionate birds. They are highly social and thrive on interaction with their owners and other birds. They are intelligent birds and can learn various tricks and behaviors with proper training.

These birds are very active and need a lot of exercises to stay healthy. They enjoy playing with toys, climbing, and exploring their surroundings. They can be quite vocal and can learn to mimic sounds and words with proper training and socialization.

Violet Lovebirds are very social birds and should be kept in pairs or small groups to prevent loneliness and boredom. They form strong bonds with their mates and may become territorial, especially during the breeding season.

However, they are generally friendly and will often seek attention and affection from their owners. Overall, Violet Lovebirds make great pets for those who are willing to provide them with the care, attention, and stimulation they need.

They can be entertaining and affectionate companions, and with proper care, they can live for up to 20 years.

Breeding and Genetics

The violet gene is a dominant gene. It means one parent with a violent gene is enough to produce violet lovebirds. Violet lovebirds are further classified as single-factor violet lovebirds and double-factor violet lovebirds.

Here is a breeding pattern for producing single- and double-factor violet lovebirds.

• Single Factor Violet Lovebirds x Normal Lovebirds =Single-Factor Violet Lovebirds
• Single Factor Violet Lovebirds x Single Factor Violet Lovebirds =Double Factor Violet Lovebirds

Caring for Violet Lovebirds

Violet Lovebirds are small, energetic birds that require proper care to thrive in captivity. Here are some tips on how to care for Violet Lovebirds:

Cage

Provide a spacious cage that allows your Violet Lovebirds to move around and exercise. The minimum recommended cage size for a pair of Lovebirds is 24 x 18 x 18 inches.

The cage should be made of sturdy materials and have bar spacing no wider than 1/2 inch. The cage should also be equipped with perches, toys, and a nesting box.

Exercise

Violet Lovebirds are active birds that require daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Provide ample opportunities for your birds to fly and play outside of their cage in a bird-safe room or aviary.

You can also provide toys such as swings, ladders, and bells to encourage exercise and play.

Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for the well-being of your Violet Lovebirds. Offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as kale, spinach, carrots, and apples.

You can also provide high-quality birdseed mixes that include seeds, grains, and pellets. Freshwater should be available at all times.

Grooming

Regular grooming is important to keep your Violet Lovebirds healthy and comfortable. Trim your bird’s wings and nails as needed, and provide opportunities for bathing or misting to keep their feathers clean and healthy. You can also use a bird-safe conditioner to keep their feathers shiny and soft.

From Where You can get a Violet Lovebird

Violet lovebird mutations can cost up to $150 or more, depending on the breeder and how many are available. Before you adopt or buy a violet lovebird, you should know exactly where it came from.

Ask where the bird came from, even if you are buying it from a pet store. Make sure they come from a breeder with a lot of experience to keep them healthy. The best way to get a bird is from a breeder.

An avian pet store may have a good reputation and sell healthy, happy birds, but buying from a breeder is better. The breeder will be able to answer any questions you have about the species. He or she may even be able to help you in the future.

Adopting a violet lovebird might be the best way to get one since you’ll be giving a bird in need a good home and it will cost less.

Still, it can be hard to find a specific mutation, like a violet lovebird. You might have to wait a while or look at a number of rescue or adoption groups.