What is The Best Diet, Food for Lovebirds at Home

Find out the top food options to maintain the good healthy for your lovebirds!

Lovebirds are small-sized parrots suitabile for beginners, adored and kept for their vibrant colors and strong pair bonding. They are also cherished for their easy care and relatively straightforward dietary requirements.

Their natural diet consists of a diverse range of foods found in their native African habitat, which includes seeds, fruits, berries, grains, grass, and crops such as sorghum, millet, and sunflower.

As pets, a lovebird’s food should match the nutritional value of their wild diet, but the food sources can be interchanged because most pet birds are captive-bred and accustomed to commercial foods.

This includes a base diet of high-quality commercial bird seed or pellets specifically formulated for small parrots supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables such as bananas, oranges, berries, leafy greens, and broccolis.

You can feed them occasional treats such as small amounts of nuts, cooked grains like rice or quinoa, cooked human foods like white meat (chicken, Fish), and sprouted seeds to enrich their diet.

The specific percentages or amounts of food for lovebirds can vary depending on age, size, activity level, and individual preferences.

However, as a general guideline, feed them:

• Base Diet (Seeds/Pellets): This should makeup 60-70% of their daily diet. This should be about 1 Tablespoon (20 grams or 0.70 ounces) of high-quality commercial pellets.

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: These should constitute 20-30% of their daily diet. Offer a variety of finely chopped or diced fresh fruits and vegetables (about 12 grams), including apples, oranges, carrots, leafy greens, and berries.

• Occasional Treats: Treats, such as nuts, cooked grains, and sprouted seeds, should be limited to about 5-10% of their daily diet.

• Water: Fresh, clean water should always be available for lovebirds.

On average, your lovebird’s daily total consumption should be 45 to 60 grams (1 1/2 to 2 ounces) of food mix daily.

Some high-quality, everyday commercial birdseed and pellet brands that are suitable for lovebirds and which I recommend include:

1—Birdseed:

• Higgins Vita Seed for Small Birds

• Volkman Avian Science Super Lovebird & Conure Bird Seed

• Kaytee Supreme Bird Food for Lovebirds

2—Pellets:

• Roudybush Daily Maintenance Bird Food Pellets (Small)

• Harrison’s Adult Lifetime Fine Bird Pellets

• Zupreem Natural Medium/Large Bird Pellets

Now…considering the physicality of lovebirds, only feed them bite-sized fruits and vegetables.

They should be tender or softer options (than you would offer large parrots, such as AGs, IRNs, and Cockatoos) because lovebirds’ beaks and claws are not as strong.

My go-to options are:

1— Fruits

• Apples
• Melons
• Grapes
• Berries
• Oranges
• Papaya
• Bananas

2— Vegetables

• Peas
• Broccoli
• Leafy Greens (Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard)
• Cucumber
• Zucchini
• Cauliflower
• Baby Corn

Fruits and Vegetables for Lovebirds

Fruits and vegetables should be offered everyday, but should be given to lovebirds in moderation because of their sugar content.

Fruits and veggies should make up to 40 percent of a Lovebird’s daily consumption. You can mix them in chop or separately on clips or puzzles inside the cage.

I like to add fruit or vegetables first thing in the morning because my lovebirds are not too eager to have them and need a little encouragement.

I try to be consistent with the timings to establish a pattern to help my birds develop a taste for fruits.

So, consider this trick if you also have a pesky lovebird(s) like me.

Be consistent and keep trying even if your lovebird will be uninterested the first few days. Your bird will take you as standoffish but gradually start eating little bits everyday.

Raw vegetables are safe for lovebirds, but I recommend you chop, dice, and tender steam veggies, like Brocolli and Cauliflower, to make them look like grain or pellets to trick your birds into eating them.

Grate their Carrots, Zucchini, and Spinach.

Try presenting them differently because some lovebirds prefer fruit-veggie chops in bowls, while others like them on clips.

You can also hide the fruits and veggies under loose pellet or bird mix, or if your lovies love foraging, try hiding the pieces in their foraging toys. Mix them in treats to throw them off.

That way, they will eat some of it while trying to get the food and treats they like.

That said, avocados have persin, which is toxic to birds, so avoid them. Do not give your lovebird any part of the fruit, including the skin, pit, skin, or leaves. They are all unsafe.

Sings of persin poisoning in birds are lethargy, heavy breathing, collapse, and sudden death.

Some other fruit seeds and pits also contain Cyanide toxic to your lovebirds, including:

• Apple seeds
• Apricot pits
• Cherry pits
• Nectarine pits
• Peach pits
• Pear seeds
• Plum pits

Below is a list of all fruits and vegetables safe for lovebirds:

What is Are Lovebirds’ Favorite Fruit

Lovebirds have a taste for different fruits, but Apples (minus the seeds) are the favorite for most. They also seem to love Broccolis, leafy greens, peas, and fresh cones off the cob better than other vegetables.

However, there could be differences in preference, so offer your birds a variety of chops to pick out what they like (if you do not know their favorite).

Below is a list of fruits and vegetables of my lovebirds other than apple and broccoli.

— Fruits

• Apples
• Oranges
• Berries (Blue, Straw, Rasp)
• Melons
• Pomegranate

Note: Blueberries and pomegranates are less challenging to portion than apples, oranges, papayas, etc.

— Veggies

• Broccoli
• Peas
• Carrot
• Bell pepper
• Brussels sprouts
• Romaine
• Corn (fresh corn off the cob)

How Do I Get My Lovebird to Eat Vegetables and Fruits

Getting your lovebirds to eat foods, like vegetables, instead of seeds can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. But with some patience and creativity, you can entice even the pickiest eaters to nibble on nutritious greens.

One strategy is to mix-up the types of fruits and vegetables you offer, ranging from basic salads to mixed chops, to provide variety and stimulate their interest.

Experimenting with different textures can also make a difference.

Try offering softer options like watermelon, cucumber, and carrots alongside crunchy ones.

You might also find that each bird has its own preferences regarding the presentation of the vegetables.

From thin disks to julienned stripes or even finger-sized tubes, catering to their individual tastes can increase the chances of your lovebird enjoying their vegetables.

It’s essential to also remember that not all lovebirds will have the same appetite for veggies. Some may take to certain vegetables enthusiastically, while others may need coaxing.

One effective way is to eat the vegetables yourself in front of them. Lovebirds are naturally curious creatures, and seeing you enjoy the food may pique their interest and encourage them to try it themselves.

Another tactic is to involve your lovebirds in the preparation process.

Interacting with them while chopping vegetables or arranging them in their food dish can create a positive association with the food and make them more inclined to give it a taste.

However, it’s ideal to acknowledge that not all lovebirds will take to fresh fruits and vegetables immediately. Some may prefer dried options.

So, if your lovebird seems hesitant towards fresh produce, consider offering dried vegetables as an alternative.

Ensure the vegetables are chopped into tiny pieces, no larger than a sunflower seed, to make them more manageable for your Lovies.

If you’re unsure what vegetables to start with, consider tried-and-tested options such as corn-on-the-cob, broccoli, carrots placed on top of seeds or peppers, zucchini, melon, and apples.

These items have been successful for many bird owners and may serve as a good starting point for your lovebirds’ vegetable journey.

What Do Baby Lovebirds Eat

Feeding baby lovebirds is a gradual process that involves transitioning from baby formula to solid foods.

Typically, the baby formula provides essential nutrients for early growth and development. This stage usually begins at birth and continues for the first few weeks of their lives.

As baby lovebirds grow older, usually around 8-9 weeks, the baby birds start to show more interest in solid foods and less in formula. They may not warm up to lovebird-sized pellets immediately, so you may need to start them off on tiny, canary-sized pellets, like Harrisons Adult Lifetime.

Some chicks will take longer to transition, with weaning occurring as late as 12 weeks of age. So, I advise you to put a bowl of adult food in the cage and let your bird decide when to transition.

Good early solid foods include crushed biscuits with water, mashed bananas, or softened pellets.

During the first 30 days of the bird’s life, it has to feed more, and hand-feeding may be recommended. I recommend feeding them every 4- Hours.

Pay careful attention to the temperature of the formula to prevent overheating, which can cause crop burns. Formula should be slightly under 104°F to ensure the bird’s comfort and safety.

Signs of overheating include an open beak, drooping wings, and rapid tongue movements.

As baby lovebirds transition to solid foods, offer them nutritious options to keep them interested and encourage exploration of different textures and flavors.

Some birds may take longer to accept adult foods, so patience is advised.

Remember that birds are considered juveniles until they are about a year old, and during this time, they may still require a diet slightly higher in healthy fats and proteins to support their growth and development.

Observe their behavior and follow their lead for a successful weaning process. Provide a supportive and nurturing environment during this transition for their health and well-being.

I know you might be tempted to offer your baby bird milk, but don’t (as weird as it is, I’ve had a couple questions in that regard). Milk is not safe for lovebirds and probably really upsets their tummies.

Now that said, …feeding lovebird chicks is not easy, so if you are new to baby birds, reach out to an experienced breeder in your area to help and advise you in person.

What Can Lovebirds Not Eat—Toxic and Unsafe Foods

Lovebirds eat fruits, vegetables, grains (and seeds), plus commercial food, like pellets. They will also accept varied homemade foods, including rice and white meat like chicken.

However, a lovebird’s digestive system is sensitive to avocados and pit from fruits, like apples, apricots, and plums (see the entire list in the section on fruits and vegetables).

Most human beverages, like milk, tea, coffee, chocolate, and drug items, like alcohol and tobacco, are also toxic and unsafe.

Fried foods are not toxic, but you should use small amounts of cooking oil in your food if you plan on sharing it with your lovebird. Salt and species are unsafe, so ensure your food is spicy or salty.

Raw dry foods, like beans and maize, are safe for lovebirds, but you cook or boil them to tenderize and keep them from choking your bird.

Here is a comprehensive list of the food you should not feed your lovebird:

• Avocado: Contains persin, which is toxic to birds.
• Fruit seeds/pits: Apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits, etc., contain cyanide compounds.
• Coffee: Contains caffeine, which is toxic to birds.
• Tea: Contains caffeine, which is toxic to birds.
• Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to birds.
• Alcohol: Toxic to birds.
• Tobacco: Contains nicotine, which is toxic to birds.
• High-fat or salty foods: Can lead to obesity and heart problems.
• Dairy products: Lovebirds are lactose intolerant.
• Onions: Contains compounds toxic to birds and can cause digestive problems and anemia.
• Garlic: Contains compounds toxic to birds and can cause digestive problems and anemia.
• Junk food: Lack of nutritional value and can be harmful in the long run.
• Raw beans: Contain toxins if not properly prepared.
• Sugary foods: Candies, cakes, sodas, etc., can lead to health problems and hyperactivity.
• Caffeinated foods/beverages: Coffee, tea, etc., can lead to health problems and hyperactivity.