Breeding info of the Madagascar Lovebird (Agapornis Cana)

Hi Guys,

As there seems to be no usefull information available on the internet regarding the keeping and breeding of this beatifull bird, I have decided to share my experience of these birds with all the keen bird enthusiasts out there.

Some Facts:

-The Madagascar lovebird has been listed on SITES as "Vulnerable" or "Threatened".

-Only 7% of the natural forest remains in tact on Madagascar (Their natural habitat)

-These are the smallest of the nine Lovebird species and by far the most timid of the lot! Madagascars are in fact so placid by nature that they can be kept with finches!

-They prefer normal finch type seed (Millets etc)due to their small size.

Madagascar lovebirds should be kept as normal finches would. They are shy, timid and secretive. They are by far more of a challenge to keep than normal lovebirds. They do not seem to do well when kept in a colony setup as the females become quarrelsome when they start breeding.

I have noted that they tend to become egg-bound when breeding and therefore recommend that extra care should be taken during this period!

A wide variety of nesting sites should be made available. The following foto's shows some of the chosen sites made by my birds.

Living plant material should be made available at all times if you are hoping to breed these birds. They have a very peculiar way of collecting their nesting material. The female tears up leaves into small bits and tucks it into her feathers before flying to the nest. Inside the nest she will remove the leaves from her feathers and place the nesting material to her liking.

Please have a look at the video on this post to view this peculiar behaviour.

We should try our best to breed this species and increase their numbers, as they are indeed becoming very scarse! Only our best efforts in this regard will ensure the continued availability of these magnificent species!

My birds are kept in cubicle aviaries @ 1.5m x 3m x 2.2m high.

I currently have three pairs that are breeding, and will keep you guys informed of the progress.

Kindly note that the birds are picking leaves from the aviary next door - through the mesh!!!