The best breeding results come about if you have several pairs of lovebirds, each of which has its own cage or aviary. If they remain within hearing distance, however, they'll stimulate each other's breeding efforts. I would attempt colony breeding only with the black-cheecked lovebirds and the Nyasa lovebirds. They make good aviary birds, together with other medium-sized birds of the parrot family. Do not skimp on space, and never put unpaired lovebirds into the aviary. This leads to trouble. Secure mates quickly, or remove them from aviary.

Feeding.

Lovebirds need the right kind of feed to come into good breeding condition. If you were feeding only seed  mix during the winter you can't expect them to be in top condition in spring. Seeds just don't meet their amino acid requirements, and if this need isn't met elsewhere, the results will be an unsuccessful breeding season.

Indoors.

Those of you using breeding cages (minimum size 3 feet 3 1/2 inches x 3 feet 2 inches x 2 feet; 100 x 95 x 60 cm) should install them in a room that is light and airy and above all, peaceful. Keep the indoor temperature at about 59F (15C). It can be somewhat higher, but not much lower. Humidity should be about 65 percent. This is very important and must be carefully kept in mind. When the humidity becomes too low, the risk of egg binding and hatching difficulties increases. (More often, however, egg binding is caused by a calcium deficiency or by a deficiency in the vitamin B complex).

Outdoor.

If you breed lovebirds outdoors, there's not much you can do about the temperature. If you breed the tougher species (peach-faced, fischer's, and Abyssinian) you can expect to begin as early as mid-April. The other species shouldn't get started until mid-May. Be aware, though, that peach-faced lovebird seems to be ready to breed any time of the year, restrict this activity, to avoid egg binding, weak young, and other troubles.

Provide privacy in outdoor aviaries. Grow plants along the outside to create the peaceful atmosphere that's needed.

IF you don't place the nestboxes in direct sunlight, you won't have to worry much about the humidity. If there is a long spell of dry or warm weather, gently spray the nestboxes with the garden hose each day.