When to Separate Baby Lovebirds from Parents?

Last Updated on December 23, 2023 by Ali Shahid

There are four or six eggs in each clutch for lovebirds. Eventually, the nesting box will become crowded. The birds will not be able to live comfortably together in one box. When lovebird babies can take care of themselves, they will leave the crowded nesting box. So, the question that arises is when to separate baby lovebirds from their parents. Usually, the birds are fully weaned by 8 weeks of age.

So at 8 weeks of age, they are likely to leave the nesting box, or you can separate them from their parents. It may be harmful to the baby lovebirds if you don’t separate them from their mother, since they will begin to nest again.

When to Separate Baby lovebirds from Parents

Different Stages of Lovebirds

To breed lovebirds, you need to pair them so they can mate. All bird owners should be prepared to take care of babies that their lovebirds produce. Knowing when to remove the baby lovebirds from the nest is one aspect of that care.

During the first couple of weeks, the baby lovebird’s feathers develop. During this time, the lovebird may begin exploring its surrounding habitat. During this time, lovebirds may even begin learning to fly.

Despite this, they can remain with their mother even after mobility. After eight weeks they will be allowed to leave with their mother. To understand these let’s go through some different stages of lovebirds.

1.Lovebirds During their first week of life

Newborn lovebirds are very fragile and should not be handled by humans. As the mother will be able to provide the babies with food during this time, it is best to leave the mother alone with her babies.

During the first few feeds, she will give them a liquid that is clear and nutrient-rich to ease digestion. One-week-old lovebirds should be treated with caution if you have adopted them. It is recommended that young lovebirds are fed 6-10 times a day. Several birds benefit from nighttime feedings during their first week of life.

A young lovebirds needs as many as 5-6 meals a day when he hasn’t opened his eyes. When your baby’s crop bulges, it means he or she is full, while a flat crop means your baby is hungry.

2.Baby lovebird being hand-fed

Handfeeding is not allowed until babies are three weeks old. At this age, you can hold them more easily. If you are not experienced with hand feeding, do not attempt it. You must provide the formula for breastfed babies. The formula should be thin. Ensure that the lovebird baby has a full crop.

This will indicate whether it has enough nutrition. Feed the lovebird baby with a syringe, heating the liquid to body temperature, but not to extremes. In the case of a hot syringe, the baby will be burned. Hand-feeding is generally effective in fostering bonding between a baby and its owner.

3.Separating The Baby Lovebirds from

Their Parents’ Baby lovebirds eventually become fully grown as their feathers develop. In addition, the birds will examine their nesting boxes and practice flying in their enclosures. A baby’s weaning should be completed 8 weeks after birth and allow them to eat on their own.

In time, they will need to move out of the nest box or be separated from their parents. When lovebirds remain too long with their mother, there’s a chance that they may be harmed.

4.Shifting to Other Cage

 If the baby lovebirds are separated, they should be placed in another cage. When doing this process, take care as they may fly away from you. Take them gently and shift them into a new cage.

Ideally, the new cage should allow them enough space to open their wings freely, and they should be able to play without being interrupted. Make sure they have toys and perches. Make sure to provide them with water and food.

It is recommended that 70% of their diet consists of pellets and 30% of fruits and vegetables, as well as soy. Every day, make sure your birds eat at the same time. That way they will know when to expect their meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to separate parents from baby lovebirds?

In our opinion, it is essential to separate the parents from the baby lovebirds. When the baby lovebirds reach two months of age, they are considered a disturbance by their mother. While she wants to make nesting space, she may hurt the babies by doing so.

Does my baby bird need to be fed Cerelac?

Cerelac contains milk, so birds should not be given it. Birds cannot digest lactose. In any case, a baby lovebird will suffer awful diarrhea, which is deadly on its own.

How much water do baby birds drink?

Nestlings in the nest do not have access to water, so their main source of water comes from their parents’ food.

Conclusion

Parents cannot keep their baby lovebirds forever. They must live on their own when they grow up. After feeding lovebirds for two months, mother lovebirds prepare for the next breeding.

During this period, if the mother feels threatened and is unable to find a suitable nesting place, she can harm them. It is, therefore, necessary to remove the baby lovebirds from their parents once they can eat for themselves and are over 8 weeks old.

Author

  • Ali Shahid

    Ali Shahid is a veterinarian by profession and an animal lover. He loves to give expert opinions about different animals. He has worked in top organization of birds like Bigbird Feed and Poultry Research institute. He loves birds, especially parrots and has great experience in different parrot farms.

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2 Comments

  1. I have a baby lovebird nearly 8 weeks old and mother already sitting on new eggs, is it best to put baby in new cage on its own or can I put it in with another single female lovebird. And can I clean nest box out and replace new eggs back in nest box with out mother rejecting eggs.

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