BFB Lovebirds achieves 5-Star Animal Welfare Licence

BFB Lovebirds, a small, home-based business dedicated to avian care, has been awarded a 5-star Animal Welfare Licence by Tendring District Council as a licensed breeder. 

The achievement represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey, cementing its commitment to setting the “highest standards” of ethical practice, bird health and overall welfare.

Founded just three years ago, BFB Lovebirds was founded by Bartholomew Fitzgerald-Becker (known as Bart), who, despite the business’s youth, has been caring for parrots since his teenage years. 

The past year has seen BFB Lovebirds make substantial improvements to its operations, investing heavily in equipment, including the introduction of an advanced incubator/ICU system, which offers optimal care for the youngest birds and those requiring emergency treatment. 

This sophisticated system, designed to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels, is complemented by backup systems to ensure uninterrupted care.

In addition to the incubator, the business has enhanced its aviary with smart technology, including automated feeders, fully controlled temperature and humidity systems, and full-spectrum lighting. 

The 24/7 monitoring system enables customers to view their baby birds in real-time.

BFB Lovebirds also employs rigorous sterilisation procedures, using advanced air purifiers, UV sterilisation lamps, and foggers to maintain a clean environment. 

The baby bird room operates under carefully controlled conditions, ensuring the health and safety of birds during their critical early stages.

Additionally, the business has invested in an advanced record-keeping system, with detailed documentation for each bird, including family trees, health records, feeding schedules and daily assessments. 

Tools such as thermal imaging cameras and microscopes are used to monitor bird health, further demonstrating the company’s dedication to providing the highest level of care.

Bart is a staunch advocate for ethical breeding practices and responsible licensing. At BFB Lovebirds, birds are allowed to naturally select their partners, and the company opposes artificial pairing.

BFB Lovebirds operates under “The 7 Pillars of BFB Lovebirds Excellence,” which include Compassionate Care, Natural Integrity, Lifetime Support, Safety, Eco-Commitment, Innovative Excellence and Community and  Transparency. 

With plans to expand the business further, Fitzgerald-Becker and his husband Scott are actively seeking a new property that will allow them to include other parrot species while also supporting rescue and research.

Fitzgerald-Becker said: “Just one year ago, we received a 2-star rating, and while we were proud of our achievements, we saw it as an opportunity to improve. 

“Our goal has always been to offer the best care possible, and this year we made significant investments to elevate the standards of our facilities.”