AGAPORNIS W RLD®
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TARANTA ( Abyssinian ) (Black-winged)
When the chicks birth, they are green, and after the first moult is when we can differentiate cocks from hens by their phenotype. Young cocks have black feathers under the wings, and when they become adults the primaries get also completely black. They are less sensitive to the cold than the rest of the species, they prefer the coldest period for breeding. Hens are quite aggressive, defending furiously their nests as a way of protection, and to show the cocks their intention of mating. The cocks fly over the hens several times, from one side to another, going with them to control the nests. They build the nests carrying little leaf strips, which are carried in the rump feathers or under the wings. Frequently they use its own feathers to make the nests, this is a problem because the chicks are injured because the parents also use their feathers. Sometimes they dig a hollow on the nest floor, and they put little wood pieces. As a general rule, they breed only once a year, and the egg-laying is around 4 eggs. The incubation period lasts 25 days, though sometimes can last until 29 days. The emancipation of the chicks is later than the rest of the species, and it is around 7-8 weeks. When they leave the nests the father continues feeding them for a long period. Their diet is a bit different from the rest of lovebirds, this diet must be rich in calories. They need more sunflowers, hemp seeds and oats than the rest of the species. Berries, figs, apples and other fresh fruits must be given as a complement to their diet. It is a mystery the reason for the death of the chicks in a very big percentage without a laudable reason for it. This is the reason why breeders opt for hand feeding. The known mutation is dark factor. It is also said that cinnamon and lutino mutations exist, but their existence is not proved.
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