Peach Faced Lovebird

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: May 6th, 2018

About Peach Faced Lovebird

Size

up to 7 inches

Lifespan

10-15 years

Bird Species

Lovebirds

Colors

Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink

Sounds

Vocal, Noisy, Chirping bird

Interaction

Higly Social, Energetic, Affectionate

Comparable Breeds

Masked Lovebird, Budgerigar Parakeet

Peach Faced Lovebird General Info

Peach faced lovebird, also known as Rosy faced lovebird, is a cute, energetic and social little bird- no matter how you call them. Perhaps the most popular pet choice amongst the Lovebird family, these charming birds are widespread as a family pet and loved for their personalities and ease of care. Once you get to know your lovebird pet better, you will quickly fall in love with all the goofs, cuddles and funny tricks.

If you choose a Peach faced lovebird for your pet, you’re in for a lot of fun and laughs with this pretty little pocket bird!

Native Region/Natural Habitat

Native to the Southwest of the African continent, Peach faced lovebird is found mostly in Angola and Namibia. Always nesting in close proximity to a fresh water source, they live in open and dry areas, with sparse shrub growth and on woodland edges. Their numbers in the wild are stable, although they are often targeted by illegal trappers and hunters.

Overall Description

Affectionately known as the pocket birds, the Peach faced lovebirds will reach an overall length of up to 7 inches (18 centimeters). They have short and stubby tails with a usual size of only 2 inches (5 centimeters), unlike parakeets or conures. They are also monomorphic birds, which means that males and females are nearly identical and hard to distinguish.

Speech and Sounds

Peach faced lovebirds are often chatty and love to sing. Their call is made up of high pitched and slightly piercing chirps, which can go on for longer periods throughout the day and at sundown. You should take this moderate level of noise into consideration, although it doesn’t take away from the overall loving and fun nature of these lovebirds.

Colors

The main color is a muted tone of tropical green, with the characteristic rosy, light red over the face, which earned these birds their name. While the underside is a slightly lighter green bordering yellow, the tail and the rump are bright blue, providing a sharp and distinctive contrast. Even though this combination is vivid and has an exotic appeal, it is still simple in its prettiness. In captivity, a lot of new color mutations have been created. So now we can also see lovebirds that are yellow, turquoise and opaline.

While mostly green, Peach faced lovebirds are known for their blushing, rose colored faces, giving them a fun and unique look.

Care and Feeding

Lovebirds enjoy a diet of seeds, nuts, and fruits. To achieve a balanced diet for your pet, besides the commercial seed mix, you’d want to add a healthy dose of fresh fruits and green vegetables. Another thing to keep in mind is the hygiene, and the fact that Peach faced lovebirds absolutely love to bathe. Bathing dishes should be offered on a regular basis, to prevent feather related issues. Provide a roomy and large cage, as well as a lot of exercise time outside of it.

Health and Common Conditions

Don’t let the tiny size of the Peach faced lovebird fool you- they are small, but not fragile. Rose faced lovebirds adapt easily, and are well known for being hardy and strong. To keep them healthy, pay attention to the conditions, avoiding the draft, damp and cold. Hygiene should be a priority, ensuring a clean environment for your pet to thrive.

As they are very social and function best in pairs, a solitary lovebird can become sick due to neglect and boredom- make sure you get at least a pair of them!

In optimal conditions and with sufficient care and consideration, your pet lovebird will happily thrive.

Personality & Behavior

Peach faced lovebirds are a pocket-sized bundle of fun. They are energetic and fun, but cuddly and affectionate as well. They will bond with their owner as time passes and trust is built. These birds are highly social, so consider keeping a pair for the happiest results. Sometimes they can be aggressive or territorial, biting strangers and other birds. A must-do for lovebird pets is toys. They love to play, goof around and climb about. To help them exercise and spend their energy, provide them with a lot of toys and perches. This good combination of desirable traits and healthy nature makes them a popular pet among avian beginners and experts alike.

Photo credit: Twisted Shots/Shuttestock; Erich Iselee/Shutterstock; Shoarns/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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Cat playing with laser pointer is used by NASA to measure band-with between deep space and Earth.

What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't?

It’s no secret dogs are nosy – especially when they suspect food is involved. They’ll have no problem jumping on the counter, digging through trash, or “sneakily” stealing stuff off your coffee table if given a chance. Not only that this type of behavior can be really irritating for the owner, but it is also downright dangerous. Dogs can easily swallow something that could cause serious health issues – a tiny object that can cause choking, a hazardous chemical, or some human food that is poisonous to them. In either of these cases, the owner should be prepared and alert as acting quickly is crucial when your pet eats something that they shouldn’t have. But what exactly do you need to do if this happens? What is the course of action to help a dog who ingested something they simply should not? Let’s go over it.What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't: Step By Step ExplainedIf your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, it's important to act quickly. Every second counts in this case so don’t panic even if that’s your first instinct. Going into panic mode never helps and can only make things worse. Instead, try to assess the situation and figure out what has been ingested so you can act accordingly. Here are some general guidelines to follow, but keep in mind that you should always consult with your veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific situation.It is imperative to stay calm. It's understandable to feel scared and panicked, but it's crucial to stay composed. Panicking can make it difficult to think clearly and take appropriate action. Take a deep breath, strengthen your resolve and act.Always try to identify the substance or item ingested, if it’s possible to do so very quickly. This information can be helpful for your veterinarian to provide accurate advice. Do you notice any small objects missing? Any open containers or something similar? Quickly try to find the clues.It goes without saying that it is always crucial to call your veterinarian immediately. Provide them with details about what your dog ingested, the amount, and any symptoms your dog is experiencing. After all, they are professionals who know how to deal with these situations in an efficient manner and will give you the guidelines suited to your situation.Keep in mind not to induce vomiting. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous in some situations and should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. Certain substances or items can cause more harm if brought back up. Unless instructed otherwise, don’t do it.Disperse with the panic and fears, and follow the advice of your veterinarian to the letter. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions based on the substance ingested. Follow their advice carefully, whether it involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or other measures.It is important to monitor your dog and their behavior. Keep a close eye on them for any changes in behavior, signs of distress, or dangerous symptoms. Be prepared to provide this information to your veterinarian. Sometimes, nothing will show at first, but could later on. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend immediate action, such as going to an emergency veterinary clinic. Follow their advice promptly, or if you see that your dog is in danger, do so as fast as possible.

Why Are Labradors Fat? Scientists Have the Answer

The friendly, playful, and trainable Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. But, few canines are as obsessed with food as Labrador retrievers - and now scientists think they have discovered why. According to new research, a quarter of labs are predisposed to obesity due to a genetic mutation.Approximately 25 percent of Labradors face a double-whammy of burning fewer calories and feeling hungry all the time because of an anomaly. Scientists explain that this obesity-causing combination means dog owners must be strict when feeding and exercising their labs to keep them fit.The mutation is found in the gene called POMC, which plays an important role in energy use and hunger, and affects how dogs behave around food. Around 25 percent of Labradors and 66 percent of flat-coated retrievers are affected by POMC mutation, which puts these dogs at risk of obesity and causes increased interest in food.Researchers found that although these dogs don’t need to eat more to feel full, they are hungrier in between meals. The study also showed that dogs with the POMC mutation use around 25 percent less energy when resting than dogs without it. As a result, these pooches don’t need to eat as many calories to maintain a healthy weight. “We found that a mutation in the POMC gene seems to make dogs hungrier. Affected dogs tend to overeat because they get hungry between meals more quickly than dogs without the mutation,” said Dr. Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience who led the study. “All owners of Labradors and flat-coated retrievers need to watch what they’re feeding these highly food-motivated dogs to keep them a healthy weight. But dogs with this genetic mutation face a double whammy: they not only want to eat more, but also need fewer calories because they’re not burning them off as fast,” she added.The study found that the POMC mutation alters a pathway in dogs’ brains associated with body weight regulation. The mutated genes trigger the starvation signal that sends a message to the body to increase food intake and conserve energy.The study involved 87 adult pet Labradors, all at a healthy weight or moderately obese. The dogs were subjected to several tests, including ‘the sausage in the box’ test. The dogs were first given a can of wet dog food every 20 minutes until they couldn’t eat any more. All labs eat huge amounts of food, but what’s interesting is that dogs with POMC didn’t eat more food than the dogs without it.On a different day, all dogs were given the same breakfast. Three hours later they were offered a sausage in a box made of clear plastic and a perforated lid, so the dogs could see and smell the sausage but not eat it.Scientists discovered that labs with POMC mutation tried harder to get the sausage than the dogs without it, showing greater hunger. In another test, the dogs were allowed to sleep in a special chamber that measured the gases they breathed out. This test showed that labs with POMC mutation burn 25 percent fewer calories than dogs without it. According to researchers, people are often rude to owners of fat dogs, criticizing them for not feeding and exercising their dogs properly. However, this study has shown that labs with POMC are trying to increase their energy intake by looking for food all the time. Keeping these dogs slim is challenging, but possible. Spreading out daily food rations, by using puzzle feeders to slow down feeding or scattering the food around the yard so it takes longer to eat are ways owners can keep their Labradors distracted from constant hunger. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Is My Bird Biting Me?

If you’re a bird parent, you love and cherish your feathered friend – but what do you do when your bird nips or bites? This is a behavior that can be both surprising and concerning, especially for first-time bird parents. But know, you’re not alone!If you’re wondering, “Why is my bird biting me?” This article is for you!We will explore the different factors and explanations for your pet bird’s newly developed biting tendencies, helping you understand the motivations, identify when there is a deeper problem requiring your attention, and learn how to address the behavior appropriately.Let’s look at how to set you and your bird up for a long, happy relationship by addressing problem biting today.Do Bird Bites Hurt?The short answer to this is – Maybe? Whether or not your bird’s bite will hurt depends on a few factors, including how the bird bites, their overall intention, your bird’s size, and your level of pain tolerance.Bird bites can range from a light little nibble that merely tickles to bites that have the capability of causing serious damage, especially to vulnerable areas like the eyes, ears, nose, lips, fingers, and toes.The potential for a bird bite to cause severe or lasting injuries highlights the importance of understanding your bird, why they may bite, and how to prevent this situation from happening. It’s also one of the most important reasons to consider when deciding if a bird is right for your child, elderly, or special needs family member.Even smaller birds can cause a surprising amount of pain. Often, it’s not the initial bite that causes the most pain. Instead, it’s the way that they will dig in or even grind their beaks that will lead to discomfort, stinging, and soreness.

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