Masked Lovebird

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: June 1st, 2018

About Masked Lovebird

Size

6 inches

Lifespan

15-20 years

Bird Species

Lovebirds

Colors

Green, Yellow, Blue, more

Sounds

Vocal, Chirping, Singing

Interaction

Social, Energetic, Affectionate

Comparable Breeds

Sun Conure, Peach Faced Lovebird

Masked Lovebird General Info

In every home it enters, the Masked Lovebird brings a whirlwind of fun. Like all the other lovebirds, they are one of the silliest, cutest and most energetic pet parrots you can meet. There’s no end to amusement with these small, “pocket-sized” birds, and with their excellent health, lovely nature and small size, they can be a perfect beginner’s pet. After you get to know each other, a lasting friendship will quickly bloom, and you’ll find out that there is so much to love about these mischievous little lovebirds.

If you’re looking to bring some fun into your home, then the playful nature of these lovebirds makes them a perfect choice.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

These parrots are native to the small region in northeast Tanzania, which is world famous for the Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Kilimanjaro. They can often be seen in small flocks near sources of fresh water. They usually prefer dry regions with sparse growth close to woodlands. Some populations also exist in Kenya and Burundi, where they have been introduced over the years.

Overall Description

Like all the lovebirds, this breed is also quite small. The adults reach a total length of 6 inches (15 centimeters). They are known for their stubby, short tails that give them an all-round stocky, chubby look. They are pretty social and might depend on the company of another lovebird. Without any apparent differences between the sexes, it might be difficult choosing the right partner for your pet.

Speech and Sounds

They are not considered to be too noisy as pet birds. Their call is a natural twittering and chirping standard for most smaller parrots that, although repetitive, is not too loud. Paired with their size, this can make them a good pet for both an apartment and a house. They can also be a bit more relaxing than the bigger parrots who like to mimic and talk a lot, requiring more patience.

Colors

Their small, stocky build and the lovely set of colors make the Masked lovebird a really cute birdie. The body is mostly light, tropical green, usually darker on the wings. The breast and back are bright and vibrant yellow. Their unique, trademark sign, also giving them their name, is the black “mask” that covers most of the face and head. Add a striking red beak into the mix, and you get a colorful, exotic little parrot that is as charming as it is funny! There are also many mutations that have been created in captivity. These include the black, albino, violet and blue.

The unique and bright mix of colors only adds to the already present cuteness of the Masked Lovebird.

Care and Feeding

As parrots in the wild, the Masked Lovebird diet is mainly made up of seeds, fruits, crops, and nuts. The common pre-made seed and pellet mixes aimed at lovebirds will do just fine as the basis of their diet. To balance it out, you should add some fresh green vegetables, like lettuce, cabbage, kale, and spinach, as well as some fresh fruit. To keep their hygiene tidy, offer a regular bathing dish for them. They’ll love it. Clean drinking water is a top priority.

Health and Common Conditions

Masked lovebirds are an excellent choice for beginner owners for many reasons. One of these reasons is their hardy health and great ability to adapt to common conditions. To keep it like this, make sure you meet some requirements, like optimal temperature, enough sunlight and good hygiene. Allow for a lot of time outside the cage – these little birds are full of energy and love to explore. Plenty of flying time is sure to keep them happy and healthy.

Don’t restrict your little lovebirds to a cage. Give them enough time to fly and play around the house.

Personality & Behavior

It’s often true that the smallest birds have the largest amount of energy. Lovebirds are like that. These fun little feathery bundles are full of energy and fun tricks, and they are also very, very inquisitive. They love to crawl and squeeze everywhere, only to see what’s in that hidden place. Most of the time though, they’re just pure comedy and a lot of fun. On the other hand, when a deeper bond is established, they often show their cuddly and playful side. Their health and happiness both depend on social interaction. Make sure you don’t neglect it!

Photo credit: StockHouse/Shutterstock; Rosa Jay/Shutterstock; Eric Isselee/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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In today’s day and age, with the climate and environment at great risk, we want to do anything we can to minimize our own carbon footprint and the damage we do to Mother Nature. Of course, our pets also have an environmental impact – and eco-conscious pet parents are always on the lookout for simple ways to reduce their pet’s carbon footprint (or pawprint if we’re being precise). Luckily, there are a lot of small but important steps that you can take in order to make your pet’s lifestyle and care much more eco-friendly without compromising the quality of life they are used to. Here's where to start if you want to become a more eco-friendly, sustainable dog owner!5 Ways You Can Reduce Your Dog's Environmental PawprintCaring for your pet can be challenging, and that’s no secret. However, the things that make it easier are not often very good for the environment, and can make your pet’s environmental pawprint significant. Luckily, it does not take too much of a change to turn that completely around and start improving that environmental impact, day by day. What follows are just a few of the basic steps you can take as a caring and responsible owner.#1 Be Responsible About Your Pet’s Waste Disposal:

What Is Dog Folliculitis and How to Treat It?

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How Much Exercise Does My Cat Need?

Cats are often known for their laidback and aloof personalities, lounging around the house like true couch potatoes. But just like us, our kitties need regular exercise to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. That’s where your job as a cat parent comes in! In this article, we will explore the importance of exercise for your cat, including how much exercise they need, the benefits of being active, and fun ways to include more physical activity in your cat’s daily routine. Whether you have an energetic young kitten or a calm senior cat, understanding their exercise needs can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. How Much Playtime Does an Indoor Cat Need? When choosing the perfect pet for your family, you have likely heard about how laid back and easy to care for cats can be. After all, they just lounge around the house all day. Right? The truth is that your cat needs daily activity to stay healthy and in shape. The exact amount of exercise your cat needs will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs. For example, a cat that is obese and needs to lose weight to improve their health may need more physical activity than a cat that is already of a healthy weight. That being said, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy adult cat should be engaging in 30 to 60 minutes of active playtime every day, split into shorter 10 or 15-minute play sessions. If you are unsure about your cat’s specific needs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to provide insight into how exercise and playtime can improve or help to maintain your cat’s quality of life at this stage and as they continue to age. How Do I Know My Cat is Getting Enough Exercise? There are several behavioral signs that a cat isn’t getting enough exercise that you can watch out for. Cats that don’t engage in regular physical activity often suffer from boredom, depression, or anxiety. While our cats obviously can’t speak to tell us this, we can pay attention to their body language and behavior to catch any signs of trouble. Some key signs to watch out for include: Destructive Behavior: One of the first signs people notice when a cat is bored is that they start to exhibit bad habits and destructive behavior. This could include scratching your furniture, tearing apart the toilet paper, ripping curtains or screens, or stealing items they know they shouldn’t. It’s like a young child. They are bored and looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Excessive Vocalization: Do you have a naturally vocal cat? If so, they may be trying to tell you that something’s wrong verbally. Some cats, when bored, will cry out for attention. This is a behavior we see in our two every time their morning playtime is even 5 minutes late. Change of Appetite: If they are feeling anxious or highly stressed, some cats will stop eating. Others, like humans, will turn to food during times of boredom. Any unexplained changes to your cat’s diet should be considered a sign of trouble – whether it’s a need for more exercise or something health-related.Over-Grooming: Cats are masters of self-grooming, but if a cat is stressed, anxious, or bored, they may take their grooming too far. This can often lead to the development of bald patches or skin irritation. Aggression or Irritation: Some cats become irritable or upset when experiencing stress and anxiety. This could result in uncharacteristic biting or scratching directed towards you, other family members, or other pets in the home. Loss of Energy or Lethargy: This may come as a surprise as most people will associate not enough exercise with having pent-up energy just begging to come out. However, a cat that isn’t getting enough physical activity can become depressed, which may present as being lazy, uninterested, or more aloof than usual. Another important sign to watch out for is unexplained weight gain. Just as humans will gain weight if they aren’t getting enough exercise, so will your cat. Sure, they likely aren’t concerned with “how they look” each morning – but obesity is a growing problem in the United States and can introduce serious health consequences!

How Do I Manage My Dog's Separation Anxiety When I'm At Work?

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Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

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Scientists Uncover Secrets of Extinct "Wooly Dog" Breed

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The dreaded nail clippers – a source of stress and occasional doggy drama in our home as well as for many dog parents. You see, our youngest pup, Lucifer, and I have been on quite the journey to conquer his fear of nail trimming. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know the struggle all too well!But fear not, because in this article, I’m sharing our personal tale of progress and a toolkit of tips we’ve picked up along the way to help overcome your dog’s fear of nail clipping.So, let’s swap nail-trimming anxiety for confidence and cooperation, one paw at a time.Why Does My Dog Hate Nail Trims?The first step to overcoming a fear of nail trims is understanding why the sight of nail clippers is a source of anxiety for your dog. After all, the clippers themselves aren’t frightening or intimidating.For many dogs, the fear of having their nails cut is rooted in a desire to protect their paws. This is a survival instinct, as they need their paws to survive in the wild, both to escape predators and be able to catch food. They haven’t been taught that the process of having their nails cut or their paws handled isn’t going to cause harm.If your dog was previously okay with having their nails trimmed and suddenly changes their mind and lashes out when you try, this is a sign of trouble. Have you recently cut your dog`s nail and accidentally nicked the quick of the nail? If so, your dog may associate the experience with the pain and discomfort they felt at that moment.This could also indicate that your dog feels pain in their leg or paw. Watch for other signs of distress or discomfort, like lameness, limping, or excessively licking the area. If you suspect your dog is in pain or if your dog has shown a behavior change that you can’t otherwise explain, contact your veterinarian. They can run the tests necessary to help diagnose the problem and recommend ways to provide effective pain relief.For us, with Lucifer, we are overcoming a reaction due to previous pain. He suffered injuries to his front paws before he was rescued and adopted out to us as a puppy. While we have worked with specialists to help him heal and move on from these injuries, he is still more protective of his paws and dislikes having them handled. What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Cut Dog Nails?Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed and cared for is an integral part of grooming. How often you need to trim their nails will vary, depending on their breed, age, and lifestyle. Some dogs will naturally wear down their nails from walking and running on rough surfaces, as they would in the wild, while others don’t engage in these activities frequently enough to keep up with nail growth.When a dog’s nails become overgrown, they interfere with their ability to stand and walk properly, reducing traction and potentially causing injuries in their feet and tendons. This is because the nails contact the floor before their paw pads. Over time, this can also lead to long-term injuries, deformities in the paw or leg, or arthritis. This can also cause older dogs to slip and fall due to losing traction and unsteadiness on their feet.

Is Melatonin Safe For Dogs?

Melatonin is an important hormone, which is naturally produced in the pineal gland of the brain. It has numerous beneficial aspects, such as it can help regulate mood, sleep cycles, and reproduction. However, its production is directly stimulated by darkness, while it is inhibited by light. What does this mean? It means that both dogs and humans will produce melatonin only when it is dark outside. As soon as the dawn arrives with the light of day, melatonin production ceases. This means that many people will supplement melatonin, or use it throughout the day for various reasons. Which brings up the question - is melatonin safe for dogs? Let’s find out. Is Melatonin Safe For Dogs? Melatonin is generally considered extremely safe for dogs, and it is almost always safe to give it to them - when it is used appropriately and under the guidance of a veterinarian. While melatonin is used in humans for the above-mentioned reasons, for dogs it is usually used for treating various skin conditions, anxiety, or sleep disorders. But even with all the positive aspects, it is necessary to first heed the advice of your veterinarian, before giving melatonin to your pet. This is because the proper dosage is important. The dose of melatonin administered depends on your pet’s size, weight, and overall health condition. Generally, veterinarians recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it if necessary. Dosages typically range from 0.5 to 3 milligrams per dog, but this can vary. Mistake the dosage, and you risk a lot of side effects, like digestive upset, lethargy, and changes in mood or behavior.What is more, melatonin might not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions or those taking other medications. Because of this, it is always crucial to seek professional advice before administering any supplements or medications to your pet. Ignoring this can cause a lot of harm.

Holiday Gifts for Your Cats: Tips and Recommendations

Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range of pet products on the market, you can find an item that your kitty is sure to love, and you can make sweet memories in the process. Whether you have a stocking for your furbaby or you plan on wrapping a little gift for them, here are some holiday gift ideas for cats to help you get started.

Humans Are Getting Their Pets Sick – Here's What You Need To Know

Zoonosis are diseases that can be transmitted from other vertebrate animals to humans, such as rabies or Lyme disease, and has been around ever since we started domesticating animals. However, recent studies reveal that a new and lesser-known form of zoonose is becoming increasingly common: the reverse zoonose. This is the latest phenomenon, where disease can be transmitted from humans to their pets. Dr. Benjamin Anderson from the University of Florida was amongst the first to warn about the increase of reverse zoonoses. He said that more attention should be paid to disease transmission “in the opposite direction”, and that both pets and their owners can be threatened by it, especially when sharing close quarters with one another.“We’re starting to see a lot of examples of reverse zoonosis. Pets are more susceptible than, maybe, we previously thought,” he said. “Typically, the viruses that I will have as a human are not going to fit into the receptors that a dog or cat has.”This means that reverse zoonoses typically appear when a pathogen in humans mutates and then adapts to a new animal host. In the past, however, it was much rarer for this to happen, because humans and animals have a totally different biology.But now, the viruses like  coronavirus or influenza have a much higher chance of cross-species transmission. This is mainly due to their RNA-based genetic material, which is more likely to mutate or have replication errors. According to Dr. Anderson, there are several diseases that have been documented to transmit from humans to their pets. These include COVID-19, tuberculosis, swine flu, dengue, human-norovirus, and other viral, fungal, parasitic, and bacterial infections.To make matters worse, the highest chances for this to happen is with pets such as dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets, as they have the most genetic similarity to humans, being mammals. “We have to first ask how the pathogen gets into those animals in the first place,” said Dr. Anderson for  Phys.org. “The pathogen doesn’t develop out of thin air in animals before suddenly spilling over into humans. While pathogens certainly can move from animals to other animals and can be picked up from the environment, exposure to humans also plays an important role. It’s this constant back and forth exchange that happens over time, increasing the probability of a mutation taking place that allows the pathogen to infect a new host.”Dr. Anderson also noted the difficulty in tracking reverse zoonoses, as it is a big challenge to link the transmission of diseases between humans and animals. Because of this, Dr. Anderson advises pet owners to be cautious around pets, particularly if they are sick with communicable diseases, like COVID-19 or the flu. Maintain good hygiene around your pets, and avoid direct contact.

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