These birds can show signs of aggression during encounters with a rival, a newly introduced individual, or if spooked by human actions. To avoid these situations, a lovebird couple will usually remain isolated from other birds while in captivity. In the wild, however, lovebirds will tend to move in small groups even if they may belong to a larger flock. Lovebirds are accustomed to a main diet of various seeds and grains, which are derived from the grassy environment, certain types of tree bark and also small insects. While in captivity, lovebirds will often need their seed diet supplemented with vegetables like romaine lettuce, broccoli, watercress, fruit such as apples, vitamins, and minerals.
Lovebirds are also great water drinkers and prefer to nest close to large bodies of water.
This is favorable to bird enthusiasts who breed them in captivity and accounts for much of their popularity in the pet trade from their homeland in Africa to family homes in the United States. The nests are almost entirely made by the females and the three to six eggs are incubated for about twenty-three days. The hatchlings will be cared for by the female until they leave the nest at about six weeks of age. The father then takes over the feeding of the young birds for another two weeks or so until they reach independence. Breeding infrequently occurs between different species in captivity and less often in the wild, and the hybrids yielded can often be very successful and fertile.