Vet Hansel answers questions about pet care in this weekly advice column, created in partnership with the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). Each week some of the animals in the BSPCA sanctuary will also be highlighted, in the hope of finding each of them a loving home.
Question: Are lovebirds suitable as pets in an apartment? What’s an appropriate size of enclosure for them and tips on care and management would be appreciated.
Answer: Lovebirds are suitable for apartments; however, these small parakeets do not tend to do well alone, and love to spend time with each other.
You will need to provide them with the largest cage you can manage, so that they will be able to fly from perch to perch – this will keep them exercised and will prevent boredom.
At a minimum, the cage should be three times the wingspan in width, and five times the wingspan in length.
Lovebirds also love nest boxes, and will often sleep in them.
Lovebirds love to play with mirrors, solid-sided balls, and climbing branches and perches. They also enjoy chewing branches.
Feed them seed mix, along with a small cup of fruits, vegetables and greens, and eggshells for calcium.
Remember to provide them with plenty of fresh, cool water.
Lovebirds to not handle extreme temperatures well, so house them inside a temperature-controlled room.
Also make sure you spend some time with them daily; they love to play with humans.
If you cannot be home for an extended period of time during the day, leave the radio or television on, but make sure that they have a dark, quiet room at night to sleep in.
- Dr Hansel Geo is a veterinary consult and surgeon for the BSPCA. Please send questions to [email protected]
BSPCA’S DOG OF THE WEEK IS BLAKE
Breed: Pitbull
Sex: Male
Age: 5 years 10 months
Neutered: Yes
Blake loves long walks and enjoys human company. He will make a wonderful companion while his presence will add a happy vibe to any household. Blake is neutered, tick treated and fully vaccinated.
BSPCA’S CAT OF THE WEEK IS POLLY
Breed: DLH
Sex: Female
Age: 3 years 4 months
Neutered: Yes
Green-eyed Polly likes to keep to herself and spend her time relaxing as she grooms herself. She would really appreciate the chance to be part of a good family. Polly is neutered, de-wormed and fully vaccinated.
- If you are interested in adopting Blake, Polly or any of the shelter’s cats, kittens, dogs and puppies, visit the Animal Welfare Centre in Askar. Directions can be found at www.bspca.org