Should I put my lovebirds outside

CarlotaPita

New member
Feb 5, 2018
6
0
Portugal
Parrots
4 lovebirds:
Euridice & Orfeu
Manel & Maria
Hello everyone!

I have four lovebirds, two couples. One of the couples is descendent from the other. When the first couple had babies and they all grew up, the mother started attacking them, so I separated them, resulting in one couple per cage.

Right now, I take the two cages outside every morning and take them inside every night. I was wondering if I could build an aviary big enough for the four of them if they could stay outside permanently.

Regarding the weather, I live in Portugal and the weather can be pretty severe in the winter. It doesn't snow, but it can go to negative ºC and some years we have some storms.

The idea was to build the aviary with upper protection and extra protection during the night, from a shading net. And it would be placed right below a big tree that loses its leaves in the winter. This way they would get shade during the summer (besides the one provided from the upper protection) and more sunlight during the winter.

My main concern is will they be able to cope with the type of weather we have here? Or is it better to continue with the Out/In routine? Any advice?

Thank you so much for your attention!
 

Talven

Banned
Banned
May 4, 2019
451
20
Australia
How far below does the temp drop? What lovebird species do you have? What direction will your aviary be facing? What direction does the wind come from the majority of the time?

An aviary should face North East to maximize morning sun. A sheltered area built within the aviary that allows the birds to completely get away from any breeze or rain will be a big help as well. Deep nest boxes or hollow logs with plenty of warm bedding available will help too.

Assuming you have Peachface lovebirds, if the temps drop below -10C your birds won't survive. They can manage up to -10C but certainly prefer warmer weather.

If you go ahead with the aviary put your birds in it when the weather is about the same temp you keep it indoors. Around spring would be the best time I think. That way they have time to get used to the weather outdoors gradually and have the longest amount of time before winter and the cold weather arrives.

Hopefully someone with more experience with lovebirds will have more to add.
 
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CarlotaPita

New member
Feb 5, 2018
6
0
Portugal
Parrots
4 lovebirds:
Euridice & Orfeu
Manel & Maria
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #3
How far below does the temp drop? What lovebird species do you have? What direction will your aviary be facing? What direction does the wind come from the majority of the time?

An aviary should face North East to maximize morning sun. A sheltered area built within the aviary that allows the birds to completely get away from any breeze or rain will be a big help as well. Deep nest boxes or hollow logs with plenty of warm bedding available will help too.

Assuming you have Peachface lovebirds, if the temps drop below -10C your birds won't survive. They can manage up to -10C but certainly prefer warmer weather.

If you go ahead with the aviary put your birds in it when the weather is about the same temp you keep it indoors. Around spring would be the best time I think. That way they have time to get used to the weather outdoors gradually and have the longest amount of time before winter and the cold weather arrives.

Hopefully someone with more experience with lovebirds will have more to add.

Well, I think at night, in the winter, the temp can drop to -5C, but never below -10C. At first, I thought to face the aviary towards the east, but now I have to rethink it...The wind normally comes from the west.

I do have peach faced lovebirds

But do you think it's better for them if I continue to bring them inside, or is it better for them to stay outside? Because it seems to be some kind of debate whether you should place your bird inside or outside...

Thank you so much for your reply, it was very useful! :)
 
Last edited:

Talven

Banned
Banned
May 4, 2019
451
20
Australia
I would separate the younger couple to make sure they don't reproduce just to be certain. As for is it better to be inside or outside I don't think really matters.

The issue that really matters is where can they get the most space. If that will be in an outdoor aviary and you can put one up then go for it. Usually that's the issue more than anything. Affording the aviary and having the space for it.
 
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CarlotaPita

New member
Feb 5, 2018
6
0
Portugal
Parrots
4 lovebirds:
Euridice & Orfeu
Manel & Maria
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I would separate the younger couple to make sure they don't reproduce just to be certain. As for is it better to be inside or outside I don't think really matters.

The issue that really matters is where can they get the most space. If that will be in an outdoor aviary and you can put one up then go for it. Usually that's the issue more than anything. Affording the aviary and having the space for it.

The main reason I was thinking about the aviary was so that they could get more space... Would it be okay if I place the four together though?
 

Talven

Banned
Banned
May 4, 2019
451
20
Australia
It should be fine to place the four together but if there is anything that they can use as a nest that may cause issues. Instead of using hollow logs or nest boxes to help give them somewhere to get out of the cold I would suggest a variation on a finch stress perch. Something like this but large enough for lovebirds. Have it facing towards the covered end of the aviary. Doesn't really give them anything to nest in but gives them a place to get away from each other but still stay warm.
 

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