Lovebirds are a group of small parrot birds that originate from Africa. They are the most popular pet birds. They are known for their excellent social skills, intelligence, colorful personality, and lovable look. They are one of the most cherished and precious birds around the globe. People like to keep them at home and enjoy their company. 

But keeping lovebirds is more challenging than it seems; they need a good environment, care, and, more importantly, a proper diet of love birds. Yes, many people who own a good lovebird pair always get confused about what their pets like or what they can feed them. Here is a complete guide on the best bird food love birds enjoy. 

Understanding the Natural Diet of Love Birds

Lovebirds thrive on a natural diet that includes a variety of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, along with pelleted diets for balanced nutrition. Seeds provide essential fats and proteins, while fresh fruits like apples and berries offer vitamins and hydration. Vegetables such as leafy greens and carrots contribute vital nutrients and fiber, promoting digestive health. Love birds food, such as Pelleted diets, are formulated to ensure lovebirds receive all necessary vitamins and minerals, preventing nutritional deficiencies. Fresh, clean water is crucial for their overall well-being, helping to keep them hydrated and supporting metabolic functions. A diverse diet of love birds enhances their health and vitality, ensuring a happy life.

Best Food Options for Pet Love Birds

1. Seeds & Pellets: A Love Bird’s Staple

So, what do lovebirds eat generally? There is a wide range of seeds available as love birds food in the market, but for wild love birds and domestic love birds, it is generally more tailored to their needs. They need to consume the proper nutritional seeds, which is a mixture of 4 to 10 different kinds of seeds. Also, they tend to be high in fat and have some access to balanced nutritional value. You can also give Volkman Parrotlet food, which has all the values required for the Love bird. A lovebird frequently consumes just 1 or 2 of its preferred kinds of seed.

This is one of the best foods for lovebirds, and it is commercially available in different sizes, shapes, and colors. The Volkman bird food has all kinds of nutritional needs. In some cases, they may be challenging to convert into diets for mature lovebirds. However, it is highly recommended for small and old love birds because of its formulations for different life stages. As a result, birds that consume seeds should gradually transition to a diet high in pellets. Eventually, pellets should make up 75–80% of the lovebirds’ food.

2. Fruits And Vegetables Love Birds Enjoy

Fruits and vegetables should accompany 20% to 25% of the daily diet of love birds. It has a high water composition and also gives additional nutritional value. Some fruits, like avocados, are harmful to birds and should never be a part of lovebirds’ food. 

Make sure to clean the fruits and vegetables thoroughly and give them to birds in small pieces so they can eat them quickly. If a bird develops a particular fancy for a single fruit or vegetable, then stop giving that and give it other food to balance its nutrition. Particularly in hotter areas, fruits and vegetables shouldn't be kept in the cage for longer than a few hours because they could rot.

3. Water

Clean and fresh water must always be accessible to your lovebirds. You might think about using bottled water if your tap water isn't clean enough. Every day, thoroughly clean the dishes using soap and enough water.

What Food Should Lovebirds Eat Every Day?

All lovebird species need a balanced diet that includes both fresh items and a specially formulated love birds food mix, seeds mix, or pellets.

A variety of seeds and grains and other nutrient-rich ingredients shall be included in the seed mix. It should account for roughly 20 to 25 percent of the lovebirds' total calorie intake, or 1 1/2 to 2 ounces (45 to 60 grams) for each bird.

Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and other fresh foods should make up the remaining. To find out what more the diet of lovebirds should include, try different cuisines. Some may have a sweeter appetite and favorite fruit, while others may enjoy more savory vegetables or seeds.

Foods to Avoid for Love Birds

Harmful Food For Love Birds: Lovebirds' food shouldn't include anything that contains a lot of sugar, salt, or both. The following specific meals may be detrimental to lovebirds:

• Onions 

• Garlic

• Chocolate 

• Avocado 

• Mushrooms

• A few plants and herbs

• Cherries

• Plums

• Apricots

• Peaches

• Dairy products

Among the diet of love birds, the above-mentioned food items should be avoided. 

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Diet for Love Birds

• Base Diet with Pellets: Ensure that 60-80% of your lovebird's diet consists of high-quality pelleted food specifically formulated for parrots. This provides essential nutrients that seeds alone may lack15.

• Variety of Fresh Foods: Supplement their diet with a mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, and greens. Good food options for love birds include berries, apples, carrots, and leafy greens like kale and broccoli. Aim to offer fresh produce daily to keep their diet balanced and exciting.

• Limit Seed Intake: While seeds can be part of their diet, avoid making them the primary food source. A seed-heavy diet can lead to obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Instead, provide a variety of seeds in moderation.

• Hydration is Key: Always provide fresh water and change it daily. Lovebirds drink a lot, so ensuring they have clean water available at all times is crucial for their health.

• Encourage Foraging: Use foraging toys to make feeding time engaging. This not only stimulates their natural foraging instincts but also promotes mental and physical activity.

Read More: What Kind Of Food Is Ideal For Wild Birds?

To Sum Up

Remember that the demands of your lovebirds will change as they age, so if you are unsure of the food for lovebirds for young lovebirds, mature lovebirds, or lovebirds that are laying eggs, you should always ask your vet for the right guidance.

Learn more about pet bird food and bird treats!

FAQs

How Often You Should Feed Love Birds?

Feed the lovebirds at the proper time and with variety, as they are domesticated birds, not wild birds that can look and hunt for wild bird food all by themselves. A baby lovebird should be fed every 2-3 hours for ones less than three weeks old, then gradually increase to 3-4 times daily as they mature. Once they are weaned, give them a selection of seeds, fresh fruits, and veggies daily. Adult lovebirds usually snack on bird food, about 1.5 to 2 ounces of food in a day. Always have fresh water available, and remember: a happy bird is a well-fed bird!

What is the best seed mix for lovebirds?

The best seed mix for lovebirds should be a blend of various seeds customized to their needs, which could be the best bird food for lovebirds. Look for mixes containing canary seeds, millets, and small amounts of sunflower and hempseed. Make sure they have constant access to fresh water, and keep an eye on feeding habits so the birds do not waste food.

What is the best food for lovebirds as pets?

Always start with pellets, which should represent 60-80% of their diet; other things will follow. You can add some fresh fruits, apples (with the seeds taken away), berries, assorted seeds, and melons for the much-deserved treat! You must also remember veggies: kale, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are some of the best ones. In the end, remember to throw in some nuts and legumes for proteins, but be careful about portions to avoid health problems. 

Read more: How Long Can a Bird Go Without Food?