Mary Allen
The original homeland of the Rosy-headed Lovebird is South Africa. Their habitat is the savannas, steppes, and dry forests in Namibia and Botswana. They are sociable small parrots that live together in groups of around 20 birds. They can also be seen in larger swarms at places that are regularly visited, such as feeding or watering places.
Agapornis roseicollis belong to the lovebird genus and the Eclectus Parrot family. Lovebirds are also called lovebirds because they like to appear in pairs and stay together with their whole lives. A couple can also be of the same sex. If one of the two dies, the loss triggers grief in the bereaved and they suffer.
Rose-heads are small parrots. They reach a size of 15 cm and a bodyweight of about 50 g. Their body is compact and the basic coloring is green and lighter on the belly side. The short rump plumage is blue. The reddish coloring on the forehead, cheeks, and throat area up to the front chest gives the animals their name. The beak is strong, short, and pointed. The color ranges from yellow to light pink. The plumage of the young shows a paler coloration.
Acquisition and Maintenance
Parrots are one of those animals that cannot live alone. When purchasing and keeping them in a species-appropriate manner, at least 2 animals and preferably a small group should be planned for.
The real home is a big cage. The location is a bright and best-varied place by a bright, large window. Keeping them in an aviary that can stand outside during the warm months of the year is ideal.
They are intelligent, lively, and curious birds that bring a lot of life into the home. Especially in the morning and evening hours, they make their existence noticeable through their clear chirping. When fighting each other, they show their great variety of voices, ranging from melodic chirping to shrill screeching. Since they can also be quarrelsome while playing and are not exactly squeamish, there should be enough alternatives in the cage. Socialization with other bird species is not advisable!
Posture Requirements
In order to allow the Rosy Lovebirds certain freedom of movement from seat to seat, the cage must be at least 60 cm long x 100 cm wide x 120 cm high. Noise, draughts, persistent direct sunlight, humidity, and strong temperature fluctuations are to be avoided. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. The natural day length of the Rosy Lovebird is 12 hours on average. In winter with little light, artificial lighting helps to extend the brightness period.
The floor is covered with a soft and absorbent substrate such as bird sand or hemp litter. Bird sand is particularly suitable because it contains vital minerals and grit. These serve to improve the digestion of the parrots. In contrast, the beechwood granules are primarily absorbent.
The furnishings are made of as indestructible and natural materials as possible. The water bowl and several food bowls are placed where no bird droppings or food can fall in. Since the birds have a pronounced instinct to gnaw, the material for the perches and toys should be natural wood. Softwood or fresh twigs from fruit trees have proven to be good for nibbling.
Different seats and movable objects in the form of ladders, rings, swings, and springy perches ensure sufficient variety. A flat bowl with lukewarm water is available for the daily bath. If the parrots are one of the shower-loving fellows, they get an additional shower with a water atomizer every now and then. Easily accessible retreats provide each bird with peace and security at all times. Surplus dwellings, each with a frontal opening, are suitable.