How Long????

[ChristineN]

My husband bought me 2 lovebirds about a month ago. I was wondering how long does it take for the birds to get use to you? When I try to take them out of their cage of course, they start flying around inside of it. When I do get them out and put them on top and try to slowly walk over to them, they fly off and run away. We do sing and talk to them daily. I know it takes time, but its frustrating :( I have purchased a book and read it over and over again. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Christine

[LovelySydney]

Hi Christine & welcome to the forum. Your problem is a very common one and there are a lot of posts about it on the board. Every bird is different when it comes to bonding and training and their behavior. I had a lovebird, Gus, who was wild at heart. He loved me but was very content doing things on his own and being independent. We got the point where he would step up for me but he preferred to do things on his own terms otherwise. We ended up getting him a friend, Oslo, and they fell in love. Oslo was easier to bond with, but this IS a very difficult task when you have two lovebirds because a lot of the time they bond to one another instead of their human parront. In the end I was happy watching them and seeing them interact with one another. Although I wanted a bird that I could bond with, I ended up with two whom I loved with all my heart and I came to understand our relationship in a different way.

You are on the right track with talking to them and letting them know you are around. These things definitely take time and a lot of patience. I know it is frustrating but patience really is the most important thing. Some birds never come to like hands or being handled and that is a reality that you may have to deal with. Gus & Oslo weren't big on hands and I just ended up respecting that and enjoyed their company in whatever way they gave it to me. Don't give up and keep being persistent!! They have to learn to trust and realize that you aren't there to hurt them but to love them. Definitely search here on the boards for information on this topic, I know there are a lot of posts about it. Good luck & welcome!!

[bookworm0550]

hi there. i have one lovebird that hates hands and hates being handled. you def have to be patient w/ them. it takes a lot of time and work, but it's worth it.

perhaps you can just leave the cage door open and they can come out on their own vs you having you to get them out yourself, which is scary to them. they may not come out on their own right away, but give it time and they will. millet's a good lure too.

you can spend time w/ them while they are in their cage too. you can read or just sit there next to them, little things to get them used to you. def check out this forum. i know when i got my lovebird, i spent so much time browsing through everything. it was tiring. but i learned a lot and still am.

[dieflying]

i hate to sound like total downer, but you might have to eventually accept that they may not like hands. they may never be "velcro birds". i wanted my bird to be the best of friends with me, and though she isn't so flighty any more, her personality is much more independent. she likes to have her space and do her own thing. she's really sweet and doesn't bite, but she's not interested in me as much as other birds may be.

so you just have to do your best to show them you aren't threatening and be ready to see what their personalities are. definitely try eating with them. that's one thing my bird loves.

[bookworm0550]

i agree w/ dieflying. i've accepted that pan will never like being handled and that's ok w/ me. it's nothing personal, it's just how he is and what he likes. when he does hop on and let me pet him, it makes that moment special for me. i have a velcro bird too, but that's a whole 'nother subject.

[kimsbirds]

What great advice so far :)
One thing I'll add on, is that whenever you open the cage to begin interacting with your birds, don't invade their home with your hand. Instead, open the door, and sit patiently while they muster up the courage and venture out on their own. Curiosity will overpower them eventually and they'll wander out.
What you'll want to do before that, however, is make sure they receive a proper wing clip from someone qualified to do so. A birdie with full-flight indoors is an accident looking for a place to happen.
Once they learn to trust your invitation to be social, you'll begin forming a wonderful bond. Remember that it takes many weeks, and months of patience, but once that trust is earned, it'll be priceless and worth every second you waited on them.
Good Luck!!