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Which Species of lovebird is the "best"

Fawnia

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Hello, currently I am seeking a male lovebird, and I am conflicted on which species I should get.

I know the response is going to be "It depends on the individual bird"

But I was just wondering if there is a big behavioral difference between the three common species.

I really like masked lovebirds' color. However, I notice when I go onto Youtube and watch videos about cuddly lovebirds, they are usually a peachface/peachface mutation. Anyone know why? Maybe they're just more readily available?


Anyways, let me know what you guys think! What are your experiences with the three?


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On a similar topic, a guy is offering me a male 1 year old masked lovebird; however it is untame. Do you think I should pass and try to find a handfed one, or consider the bird?
 

DoubleTake

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From what i have read from others, black masks tend to be less timid than the fischer. Fischers are more shy and the peach faced are more out going. Every bird is different and how you raise him/her. There is also a size difference i believe peach faced are the largest and masks are the smallest of the 3 commonly owned species.

On the topic of taking in an untamed lovebird. The bird can be hand tame but it will take a lot of time and patience, could be weeks months or even a year. But it possible to have a untamed to be the sweetest bird ever or the bird may never like hands but enjoys your company.
 
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Gazimon

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I've heard a breeder mention that peachfaced are easier to bond with.

Do keep in mind that "handfed" does not guarantee tameness. A handfed chick that is only handled during feedings, picked up and dumped back in the nest, may not be as tame as a parent-fed chick who is acquainted with humans hands and played with. It all depends on the breeder's interaction with the chicks.
 

TikiMyn

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On a similar topic, a guy is offering me a male 1 year old masked lovebird; however it is untame. Do you think I should pass and try to find a handfed one, or consider the bird?
Go meet him! None of mine were handraised(one I knkw for sure, one I am 99% sure as I could ask the store his previous caretaker got him from and I am leaning to thinking Xena isn’t either as I found out who her breeder was) and still are fantastic:) I actually prefer parent raised birds. I got Fea at 8 months(previous caretaker clipped him because he was difficult and had to chase him all over the floor to catch him..), Henkie spend months in a small cage and was taught to bite. Both are absolutely amazing but very different. I wouldn’t expect cuddliness as that is in no way guarenteed and can premote over bonding if you are keeping a single bird.
I haven’t noticed any big differences between my peachies and my Fischer’s:) But she is blind so we are still slowly getting to know Eachother.
 

geff

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TikiMyn I prefer parent reared birds, as further down the line, they tend to develop less problems, plucking being one major issue.
 

Momo & Mido

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Great that you're thinking about adopting (instead of shopping for one).
And after a lot of reading about it, I believe that as far as the history of the bird goes, I have to agree that it is way more important for the bird that is was raised by the parents then if it was hand raised or not. And if you have the patients, time and love it will bond to you either way.
(But... I'm not an expert. Just repeating what I have read)
 

BirdField

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Please do adopt! There are plenty of lovies who need homes. I personally don't like the idea of hand rearing. People aren't very good at it (lots of complications can happen and formulas aren't perfect) and eventually it leads to many issues, mostly emotional, in birds. Birds who are hand reared, while they may be closer bonded to people, they are also closer to people. This means they can easily develop behavioral issues later in life if their humans aren't around 24/7. They also deal with the issues of physically not being around other birds and often don't fledge or learn how to be a bird (a bird that's frustrated about not being a bird is a lot worse than just a bird, IMO). I would definitely recommend you adopt the masked, even though they may be harder to train because they're not tame, it'll pay off eventually and I personally think it's a stronger bond because you've worked so hard on gaining their trust. But the decision is up to you if you're ready to take in a lovebird! :D
 

Lady Jane

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Lovebirds have several mutations. The mutations make up the species. So I am guessing you are referring to mutations. The "perfect" one for you is the one that seems to like you best. Of course there are no perfect birds. Good luck in your decision making.
 

TikiMyn

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There are Seven species of lovebirds, agapornis roseicollis, agapornis personata, etc:) That is what she is reffering to I think:)
 

nu2birds

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I love my Fischer boys........they are very outgoing and very friendly. I have always loved the coloring of Fischer's and Black Masked Lovebirds. They are a little smaller than Peach Faced, but I have always had a soft spot in my heart for these species. Good luck and go with your heart and who responds to you.
 

Leih

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I have a blue masked lovebird, female, and while I have nothing to compare her to I can say that she is not at all timid. Afraid at first, yes, but not timid fear. She can be on the aggressive side. She was not hand tame AT ALL. But, 3 months later with a ton of patience, she is starting to bond with me. As of this past weekend she will step up kind of,which is HUGE! She's a little goof ball though, huge personality, and I have no regrets choosing her, even if she does really enjoy biting me.... She's getting better though!
 

metalstitcher

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I have one Peachfaced and one Fischers and they are as different as night and day. Gracie is my heart bird and she knows it. Very outgoing and demanding. Has to be with us every second of the day when we are awake. Bo is my little shy guy. He loves for me to be in the room with him as long as no talking unless I am playing with his toys with him. He loves to talk to me when I am in the bathroom or in my bedroom I have no idea why he just does. If I stay to long with him playing he starts plucking or nibbling his feet and I know that is my cue to leave the room.
 

Little Head

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I've had both Fischer and Peach-Faced, both made great pets.
My Fischer's were weaned when I got them and still babies but it did take a bit to create a bond.
My Peach-Faced I was gifted by my Mother and I continued to hand feed until weaned. The bond was instant and very strong.
They were my little pocket buddies, I'd carry them in my shirt pockets when they were young.

I'm also hand feeding my two new additions, they are Peach-Faced and there is no doubt that I'm a Daddy :)

I think I'm a bit biased toward the Peach-Faced because of the strong bond we had and the fact he was with me for 20 plus years..
 
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