Love bird Pair, bonding with whole family?

[Speedingorange]

Well, as you all know im new... and this is my first "when i get my lovebirds will they..." post.

So, in about a month or so we will be lucky enough to have two handreared and hand raised love birds. A male and female dutch blue and lime lutino.

Now, how well can we expect the pair to like the whole family? i know our old parrot used to only like one person. But if we make sure everone handles them an equal amount? will they bond with everyone and let everyone in the family play with them / handle them. Or will they still pick a favorite?

sooooo excited to get them home :clap

[Mummieeva]

It will depend on the bird. So far none of the birds i have had cared for my husband even though he tried to handle them. I would just try it and see. Hopefully it works out and they love everyone.



Steph

[Janie]

I agree that it will depend on the individual bird but I also firmly believe that birds tend to bond with those that give them attention. Our first bird was around 7 when we adopted him and he was pretty "family friendly" from the first day. Course, he didn't know any of us so we were starting on equal ground. Four years later, he still likes all of us, hubby and 2 sons, but he is far more bonded to me because I'm with him off and on all day and he knows I'm his momma. He is a very, very laid back little lovebird and really can be held by anyone, even a stranger who takes enough time to woo him. :) The only time he will bite is if someone tries to take him off my shoulder when he's sleeping under my hair. He does not like to be taken away from his momma unless it is on his terms. :D

When I got the next two (male clutch mates that had been hand fed) I told all family members that they would have to interact daily with them if they expected any kind of bond. Hubby was pretty good about it and both like him a lot and will fly to him and play on his shoulder and head (:D) but my sons did not take the time with them and neither lovie goes willingly to them. If I'm out of town, either son can take care of them and get them in and out of their cages but there is little physical contact between them.

Since you are getting a male and a female, I'm sure you've been reading enough here to know that your female is going to get nesty and even if she likes all family members, there will be times when she won't like anyone! :D

If your children are young, that might also make a difference in how much your new lovies will like them. It's been my experience that my three like adults much better (my sons are over 20) and quick movements, laughing, yelling and playing....as children will do....would freak them out.

[Minna]

Generally speaking, they will usually bond most to one person. The trick is to get them to view the rest of the family as "flock" as well -everyone should interact with the birds regularly, and when they do become quite attached to one person, have that person back right off for about a week, while someone else gives them quite a lot of attention, to encourage them to see everyone as 'flock-mates'.

At least, it worked with mine. :) YMMV, and every bird is different.

[Janie]

Generally speaking, they will usually bond most to one person. The trick is to get them to view the rest of the family as "flock" as well -everyone should interact with the birds regularly, and when they do become quite attached to one person, have that person back right off for about a week, while someone else gives them quite a lot of attention, to encourage them to see everyone as 'flock-mates'.

At least, it worked with mine. :) YMMV, and every bird is different.

PERFECT! What you want, as Minna said, is for them to accept the family as part of their extended flock! :D

[Speedingorange]

If your children are young,


I am one of the children :lol

im 20, my younger brother 17 and then there are the parents.

So it looks like its going to be a game of pass the bird in a fasion just to make sure they get used to everyone.

The lady we are buying them off sugested putting them in some of our clothing so they get used to our smell... such as down our top or w/e so they know that the smell of us means that no harm will come to them. But i think this may just freak them out?

[mjm8321]

I am one of the children :lol

im 20, my younger brother 17 and then there are the parents.

So it looks like its going to be a game of pass the bird in a fasion just to make sure they get used to everyone.

The lady we are buying them off suggested putting them in some of our clothing so they get used to our smell... such as down our top or w/e so they know that the smell of us means that no harm will come to them. But i think this may just freak them out?

Lovebirds sense of smell is not like a cat or dog so the smell thing is false. Most lovebirds do however, like to snuggle and finding a warm, dark place to hide is a pastime they enjoy, so if they want to go down into the shirt to hide that's normal. however, just be fair warned that they might bite while in the short and if certain "things" aren't covered, they are a target! ;) :nyah:

I'd suggest making sure everyone, even poor old mum and dad:lol handle them as much as possible. If everyone is comfortable handling and interacting with them, then they can bond with everyone. Of course, they can pick favourites at times, but if they are socialised; it shouldn't cause issues.

[butterfly1061]

I also find that birds can sense your like or dislike for them. I have befriended many birds and there are some who I didn't care for and they knew it. Bosco, my brother's Blue & Gold macaw, didn't like me at first and I was scared of his VERY large beak. Over time "I" have changed the way I feel about him and our relationship is great now. I had to overcome my fear of his powerful beak. Now he prefers me to my brother - silly bird. If anyone in your family is fearful of your birds, encourage them to spend time holding and playing with them. Flying can be a big issue with people who are not use to being around them. I've seen people cover their heads when they hear a bird in flight. It's things like this that may help with you & your family's bonding. :)

[Janie]

I am one of the children :lol

im 20, my younger brother 17 and then there are the parents.

So it looks like its going to be a game of pass the bird in a fasion just to make sure they get used to everyone.


:D :D :D .......Yep, do your best to get every family member used to them and handling them, in time. I'm not suggesting that everyone grab them in the beginning cause they will need time to settle in in their new home but try to get everyone to at least talk to them soon as you get them.

[thebubbleking]

Both my birds bond with me and my girlfriend buuuuuuuut boo will only let my girlfriend flip her over or take her from her cage without biteing and drawing blood, and i am the one who feeds them plays with them makes them toys gives them baths etc etc so altho your birds may bond with everyone don't be suprised if your lovies pick a "favorite" atleast my sunshine is a daddys boy:D