Help me with my lovebird ;)

[blackscell]

Hi guys,

Just to quickly introduce my self, I am a 16 year old boy, from the Netherlands..Because there arent many active forums here, I thought I could try some English forum..

I have 2 tamed bunnies, and 2 untamed lovebirds.. I have them next to them computer, so they always have me companied..But they are just really frightened, always quiet, when I put a blanked on the cage they suddenly get really active, you can hear them eat and be alife..But when I am near, they are scared to death and eat really quick then they go on top again..

They have their wings clipped, I sometimes get them out of the cage, they will fly around like crazy but outside their cages they feel alot more comfortable.. They can step up my finger, they can sit on my shoulder but they are just scared when I come close with my hand..

They wont eat anything out of my hand ( I tried that alot but they are scared to death and will hide in the top of his cage )

So can anyone help me? And sorry for this big wall of text :rofl:

[linda040899]

Hi and welcome to our community! Hey, the more you tell us, the better we can help! :)

It's very common for lovebirds (and many other birds) to be afraid of human hands. Many of our members have tame birds that don't like hands.

What you have to do is just let them get used to you by letting them watch you. If you are on your computer, talk softly to them but don't approach their cage. You might try hanging some millet on the side of the cage nearest you to attract their attention. It may take some time, but lovebirds are naturally very curious and will want to check you out if you seem unthreatening to them.

If you have them out of the cage, take them to a small room (bathrooms work great for this) and just let them sit on you while you don't do anything. Wear a long sleeved shirt and tuck you hands inside the sleeve so they can't see them. Let them do whatever they want and see where it takes you. Once they realize through experience that you are not a threat, you will become part of their flock and that's what you want to happen. :)

[blackscell]

Hey, thanks for the quick response :)

The bathroom idea seems great, but how much I get them out of their cage? I always have to chase them, and then the baby always make screaming sounds while the adult wont try to fly away he usually is calm, just when my hand comes near he goes hang on the bars but he wont scream or make any noise.. So should I grab them together or jsut 1 by 1?

[linda040899]

If you open the cage, will they come out on their own? If the answer is yes, wait for that to happen and then offer a perch for them to step up onto instead of your hand. If you have to, tuck your hand into your shirt and hold the perch through the shirt sleeve. Anything to fool a smart lovebird.....:whistle:

Perches are viewed differently than hands and most will step up willingly. Once they are on the perch, simply move them to the bathroom. If you have to work with them one by one, that might be where you have to begin.

When you put the perch in front of them, use the "up" command. I usually say "Step up" so they hear the words and will eventually associate that with the action. Make no mistake about it. Birds are much smarter than cats or dogs! I have 3 African Grey Parrots that live with me and it's the equivalent of having 3 five year old children in my house all the time! :lol

[blackscell]

I have read that you should let them come out of their cage on their own, this really will not happen.. The cage has been open for 2 days and they will stay up most of the time ( only when they eat they come down ).. Because there is a mirror on top, they are hiding behind it..

They really will not come out of their cage :(

[linda040899]

Time to remove the mirror. Mirrors are not good for lovebirds because lovebirds form strong bonds with other lovebirds if they like them. Should yours like the reflections they see, they can bond to a reflection that's not even real. Since the mirror serves no other purpose than a place to hide, I would take it out of the cage.

I would give them a bit more time to see if they will come out of the cage. You said they are located near your computer. Where is your computer located? Is it in a busy traffic area, an open area in the room, etc? Some of the fear could also be from the fact that they don't like cage location. An ideal place is against a wall, near a corner, so that part of the cage is blocked from approach by anyone/anything.

[blackscell]

Hey, thanks for all your help :)

He is eating right now so I don't want to scare him, when he's done I'll show some picture of the computer and the cage.. My dad used to tame lovebirds, and he keeps telling my the cage is too small so I would like to hear your opinion about it since my pet store said it was big enough.. I do not like to household animals in small places so you should tell me honest if it is too small, they do have the chance to fly everyday as long as they want just as how my bunnies can run in the garden as long as they want :)

[Glam]

Hello Blackscell, and welcome to you from a fellow new member here. The thing with lovies is definitely patience, you cannot force them to do something they do not want to do, they need to do things in their own time and their own way.

And of course lots and lots of love :)

My lovie is in what one would say is a budgie cage. She is more than happy in her smallish space. I do want to get her a bigger one eventually, mainly because there isn't enough space for her toys!

[blackscell]

Alright let me see if it gets uploaded, and I will remove the mirror now:)

http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture26690-mvc-346f.jpg

http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture26689-mvc-345f.jpg

http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture26691-mvc-347f.jpg

[linda040899]

"A picture is worth a thousand words!" Yours made the problem crystal clear!

Yes, the cage is a bit on the small side but the biggest problem is the shape. Round cages are not suitable for birds because of the placement of their eyes. To a bird, a round cage looks like a solid wall, no beginning and no end. They may not even see the open door to the cage and, again, it's the shape.

Birds like cages with corners so they can see breaks in their "walls." They can hang in corners and round cages have no corners, thus they feel unsafe. I think that explains the problem you are having.

As far as cages are concerned, the larger the better but you need either 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch bar spacing for lovebirds. 3/4 inch is for Cockatiels and I've seen lovebirds squeeze through 3/4 inch bar spacing. Rectangular long cages are preferred. Square and rectangular high can also be used. The reason for rectangular long is that lovebirds tend to fly horizontally. With a rectangular high cage, they will simply spend most of their time up at the top. It's lovebird nature! :)

[blackscell]

I bought this cage for so expensive :(
Isn't there anything possible to make them think there is an end?

Else I'll just have to try selling this cage <,<

[blackscell]

Is it also possible to cover the back of the cage with a blanket?
So it doesnt look all round

[linda040899]

Isn't there anything possible to make them think there is an end?
Not that I'm aware of. Round is round is round....... Try to think about it this way. Look for something functional and within your price range. Some cages are more expensive than others but you're paying for a name rather than functionality.

[linda040899]

Is it also possible to cover the back of the cage with a blanket?
So it doesnt look all round
If you do that, what they will still see is a solid wall that is partly dark. The problem is that there are no breaks in the roundness of the cage walls. :( i would try to sell the cage and get them a different one.

[blackscell]

Alright, guess I'll have to save up for a new cage :)

Thanks for all the help, should I keep them in their cage untill a new one arrives? Or should I just try getting them out with my hands?

[linda040899]

I would keep working with them. To draw their attention to the door, perhaps leave it open and bait the opening with some millet. Hopefully, once they get to the door, they will want to climb out of the cage.

You're transforming into a wonderful lovie slave.......:happy:

[blackscell]

Here some picture of my lovebirds, and of 1 of my bun

http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture13066-mvc-031s.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture26692-mvc-350f.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture26693-mvc-349f.jpg

[linda040899]

Your lovebirds are gorgeous and I LOVE the bunny!!! Is he/she full grown or just a youngster?

[blackscell]

It is a youngster, this pic is from a long time ago :)

but she still looks so cute, I will post some photos of them and their big house :)

[blackscell]

This is them now, they love to wash eachother :)
Hows that with lovebirds? If they are bounded together, do they do things together also ?

http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture26719-mvc-379f.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture26717-mvc-376f.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture26718-mvc-378f.jpg

[linda040899]

That is quite a rabbit hutch or should I call it a rabbit castle! Your bunnies are absolutely adorable!

If lovebirds bond to each other, yes, they will do things together. That means if one gets into trouble chewing up something, the other one will most likely be doing the same thing! :lol Sleeping is so cute to see. They will sleep so close together that you won't be able to slide a single sheet of paper between them!

[blackscell]

Thats so cute, the bunnies usually also sleep together!

My dad gave me money to buy a new cage, so I am looking for 1 now.. However I keep seeing like 24 inch and stuff, but I dont know how many CM = 1 inch..

Are these sizes big enough for a cage? 42x30x57cm

[blackscell]

Alright, so I finaly got a new square cage.. They do see the door now, ( I got the cage almost 2 weeks now but still no progress ) every move I make makes them scared.. Outside their cage I can let them step up without having them fly away ( the baby does fly away alot but the older 1 is calm )

I let their door open 24-7 but they just do not come out, I tried everything from millet to apples but they do not come out so I just grab them out..<-- but this makes them scared for my hand so I don't think this a good solution too.. I really think I shudv only bought 1 instead of a pair :( Well, atleast they are not lonely..


Does any1 here know any tips to help me out

[linda040899]

Go back to square one and be patient. Leave the door open and don't grab them if they don't come out. This could take a while but eventually they will become curious enough to venture outside of the cage.

Have you tried offering them a perch to step up onto instead of grabbing them?

[blackscell]

Go back to square one and be patient. Leave the door open and don't grab them if they don't come out. This could take a while but eventually they will become curious enough to venture outside of the cage.

Have you tried offering them a perch to step up onto instead of grabbing them?

I have tried it but once I come in with my hand in the cage to go to the corner and sit there like their in shock, they wont move away untill I touch them they fly away like crazy..

With a perch its the same problem they keep flying away from it

[personatus]

Welcome, i'm also from the Netherlands! :D Be patient with the birds, they will come out eventually, may take weeks though, but they will. If you have the time to dedicate to a single bird, you could always rehome one of them and focus on a single bird? Either way, success!

[blackscell]

1 Has finaly come out of his cage, so what do I do now ?

When I come near he flys away.. Should I just let him wander around?

[linda040899]

Now that's progress! Coming out of his cage on his own when he's been previously afraid to do that is big time major! :clap

Let him do some exploring but just keep an eye on where he goes. Lovebirds have an affinity for getting into things that they shouldn't be getting into. Hopefully, he will find you interesting and want to explore your person, as well. You want him to come to you rather than you go after him.

[LeeBee]

It's also worth remembering, that if you have a pair of untamed lovies it will be a much more lengthy process to tame them.
Lovies can be so headstrong, and willful that it might be that they aren't going to be 'hands on' pets, but perhaps you could appreciate them in other ways.
I'm glad that you're finding progress, and love your little guys for who they are.
Best of luck, and remember that patience is going to be your best friend, when you interact with your lovely lovies :)

[blackscell]

I don't expect them to be super tame, as long as they come out of their cage on their own im happy enuf, and if they can sit on my hand :)

They are coming out of their cage on their own now, but whats the next step? I let them wander around.. and then ?

[linda040899]

As they wander around, you need to have something to catch their attention so that they will want to explore your person. Food will usually do it or some kind of toy. I've seen "necklaces" made out of beads and other bird safe trinkets that can be worn around your neck. Those are usually enticing.

While you don't expect them to be super tame, it may surprise you as to where the relationship goes. It all revolves around the trust relationship.

[shinbatsu]

I let their door open 24-7 but they just do not come out, I tried everything from millet to apples but they do not come out so I just grab them out..<-- but this makes them scared for my hand so I don't think this a good solution too.. I really think I shudv only bought 1 instead of a pair :( Well, atleast they are not lonely..


I would have recommended you buy a handfed lovebird instead of a wild pair. Handfeds make better pets. You can try to tame down the pair you have, but it's going to take time, patience and dedication.

[shinbatsu]

Alright, guess I'll have to save up for a new cage :)

Thanks for all the help, should I keep them in their cage untill a new one arrives? Or should I just try getting them out with my hands?

I know you already bought your new cage, but cages don't have to be expensive. We have a 30 x 36 x 18 for our meyer's parrot and another one for our two lovebirds. It cost the GF and I $36 per cage. (some assembly required lol)

[blackscell]

Yes, we alrdy got a new cage it only cost 15 euro and its bigger than the last 1, i will post a pic l8er

[Pips mom]

Great job getting them a new square cage! You did a very good thing for them by getting rid of that round cage! They will be much happier now!
As far as taming goes.....it can take some time, and every bird is so different. My Rudy is not tame and is still afraid of people and I got him last summer! Very slowly he's starting to warm up....he will take food from my hand now and he has never had any issues with coming out of his cage. I just let him wander around and do what he wants as long as he stays out of trouble, which he always is good and usually stays on top of curtains. I let him return to his cage on his own most times, or if I need to, I just put my hand near him to get him to fly back to it and he always goes back in on his own.....he's so good about that now, where my tame lovie Pip you would never catch going back into his cage!
Don't worry too much about them being tame right now. You just have to relax about it and take some time. They know when you're uptight about something and being relaxed and not worrying about it I think will also calm them and they will just take some time to friends with you. It's worth the wait to earn their trust and in the end it feels better to know that you've built the relationship with them and think back to when they were always scared of you, and now your accomplishment with them.....it will come, just be patient!

[blackscell]

If I let them outside, and I come near them they try to get away.. If I put my hand near them, they will jump on it but eventually will fly of it.. With my shirt they got no problems, they can sit hours on it but on my hands they just don't like it..

They also eat out of my hands, but are still frightened ... Just when I look at them they run back

[bookworm0550]

continue to be patient w/ them. have you tried playing youtube movies of other lovies to lure them out? these things take time. for every step forward, there's 3 steps back. it sounds like they are making some progress by sitting on you (is that what you meant by "with my shirt"?) and at least they are landing on your hand though they take off quickly.

[linda040899]

The key word here is patience! Birds learn via experience and that can take time. They trust you enough to sit on you and that's a HUGE step for birds. Many don't like hands and yours may never feel comfortable around them. Taking food from your hands is a positive thing so I think it's just a matter of letting them get comfortable with you and accepting you as a member of their flock.

You're doing a great job with them. Work with what you have and see where it takes you. :)

[bookworm0550]

if it makes you feel better, i'm still working on chomper and i got him in august. he'll hitch rides on me or lands on me and he only hangs out w/ me when his mate is on me. he's just now beginning to hop onto my hands by himself for millet and he's still kinda jumpy when it comes to that.

[blackscell]

This is their cage now, when I turn around the cage they will come out, but on the pic like that, they will stay inside..

http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture28091-mvc-425f.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture28089-mvc-424f.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture28090-mvc-423f.jpg

[linda040899]

Very nice cage!

You've got 2 very pretty lovebirds, that's for sure! The reason you have to turn the cage in order for them to come out is because they are not comfortable yet coming out of the entrance when it appears to be facing you so they have to come towards you. As they continue to settle in, that will quite possibly change. Getting them to come out of the cage on their own is major! :)

[michael]

.......Getting them to come out of the cage on their own is major! :)

Getting them to go back can be...well...fun too!....:D..... Very pretty birds!.....Not a bad lookin cage either. ..........:)

[shinbatsu]

Is that a masked cobalt with no mask on the right?

[linda040899]

Is that a masked cobalt with no mask on the right?
The one on the right is a Blue Fischer's. If my memory serves me correctly, these are pets, not breeders. They may even be the same gender.

[blackscell]

They're now in the living room, but alot of people pass by and there is alot of noise, also they don't sleep properly..

Is it better if I put them in my bedroom? No noise, no people, only me when I go to bed...

[michael]

They're now in the living room, but alot of people pass by and there is alot of noise, also they don't sleep properly.......Is it better if I put them in my bedroom? No noise, no people, only me when I go to bed...

Hi Blackcell. ... Thanks for sharing your progress with us!. .... With lots going on, lovies can get a bit overly excited. ... One things for sure, lovebirds do need their sleep (about 10 hours), otherwise like us humans they can get a bit cranky. ..Ever try to deal with a tired lovebird that wants to be left alone?....OUCH!. ... Even though some lovies normally resort to a certain amount of nocturnal activity, they still function quite well during the day. ..Some may even enjoy a little mid-afternoon "cat nap" (sorry birdies). ........ Watch your birds closely, and if you feel their reacting a little too much towards all the human activity (especially during sleep hours), then moving them to a calmer location may be in everyones best interest. .. Separate sleep cages are also another option. .............:)

[shinbatsu]

Get a thick black sheet and cover the cage. That's what I do for my meyer's parrot whose cage is in my room. I stay up late working on the computer and he sleeps fine, even with the light on.

[blackscell]

I have put them in my room, because almost no1 comes there. Yes I have another cage,but it's so small and such a stupid cage it doesn't; even got a proper door in it my hand doesn't fiti n the cage so I don't think it's a good idea to put them in there.. :)

I'll just have to have some patience

[michael]

So how are your birds responding towards being relocated? .....Yes, cages your barely able to fit your hand in can be a safety hazard. ....Keep in mind also, you don't want your lovies to become too isolated either. ..Maybe down the road, if needed, you can think about an appropriate sleep cage. ...For my two lovies, getting a good nights sleep can make quite a difference. Without proper rest, both will steadyfastly adhere to either me or their playstand, outright refusing to be bothered. ... Have you worked a schedule for out of cage time?

[blackscell]

So how are your birds responding towards being relocated? .....Yes, cages your barely able to fit your hand in can be a safety hazard. ....Keep in mind also, you don't want your lovies to become too isolated either. ..Maybe down the road, if needed, you can think about an appropriate sleep cage. ...For my two lovies, getting a good nights sleep can make quite a difference. Without proper rest, both will steadyfastly adhere to either me or their playstand, outright refusing to be bothered. ... Have you worked a schedule for out of cage time?

Hey, they seem fine with it.. The cage doors are always open also when I sleep cause they usually stay on the top of the cage.. So they can always fly out when they want, when they were in the living room I couldn't do this cz they wud poop everywhere :(

But it's all good now, they seem much more calm in there, usually downstairs they fly around like crazy in their cage.. I will post some photos soon

[michael]

........ The cage doors are always open also when I sleep cause they usually stay on the top of the cage.........

Sounds like your managing things quite well!.......The only caution I can throw at ya, is allowing them out during sleep hours. ... Should your lovies decide to find a nice warm place to snuggle up to (chair cushion, blanket, YOU, etc), they can easily get themselves crushed/suffocated. .....Not something you want to wake up to!

Photo's?..........:)

[blackscell]

Sorry for the late reply was taking a little nap


http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture28393-mvc-442f.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture28394-mvc-444f.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture28392-mvc-441f.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture28391-mvc-437f.jpg
http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture28389-mvc-434f.jpg


He looks so strange on this 1 :rofl:

http://www.bunnybunch.nl/community/members/blackscell-5151-albums-aa-picture28390-mvc-435f.jpg

[michael]

Boy, when they yawn, they really yawwwn! .....:rofl:.....Now that last photo where their posing together is absolutely PRICELESS! ........That one belongs on the front of "Bird Talk" magazine. .... Beautiful birds!...Thanks for sharing them! .........:)

[blackscell]

I tried putting them on my finger today. When they are near their cage they run away like crazy and keeps going back to his cage. In a place away from their cage they can sit for hours on your finger ( although they seem scared ) they do sit on my finger..

Should I stop chasing them in the room and just let them do what they want in my room? Cause i do have to get them back in cage at sleep time cuz ur right it has sum dangers

[blackscell]

I really think I should put them in seperate cages or put 1 away :(

The black headed lovebird is so calm he can sit on my finger for hours but the white headed makes such a fuss, keeps flying away and chirping and whenever that happens the black 1 will fly away too .....

What would you guys do ?

[michael]

I really think I should put them in seperate cages or put 1 away :(

What would you guys do ?

With pairs, unless one bird somehow becomes overly aggressive with the other, its usually in everyones best interest to keep them together. . (especially if ones a tad bit jealous because of you)...What I would try, is to work closest with the more congenial of the two in hopes that whichever bird responds best, the other may soon follow. At least when it becomes bedtime. ... As far as chasing birds....Although there are times we may have no choice, I would not want it to become too consistent, as in some cases, this may actually do more to re-enforce their idea that they really do among other things, have the avian advantage of flight. ... How are your birds with sharing food? Have you offered a special treat like uhhhh....millet...a dollar bill...a small piece of apple...a nutriberry? Something that might help entice them back to their cage? .... Can you dim the lights? ...Sometimes that helps, even if its one bird at a time.

I think what you've found, is that whenever your not around their cage, your birds are more responsive. ... Being that most parrots have their own personalities, and can also be quite complex, it can take time figuring out the best ways to manage their behavior. .. Keep in mind, having one of two birds perch on your person is a really huge step. Having both is a real treat!.......:)

[blackscell]

I'm having great progress with the black headed bird, he can jump on my finger now whenever he wants and he also eats out of my finger !

Whenever I approach them with my hand, the white 1 flies away but the black 1 will stay although he is a bit afraid, wil walk back a bit but when I put my finger under his belly he will auto-jump on it!

He's really making good progress!

[Enko_chan]

Hello and welcome!

We have quite the varied international community. I think that many of our newest members are from outside the USA and that is great. Varied perspectives, and new information only serve to enrich our community and the lives of our birds.

That is the cutest bunny I have ever seen in my entire life. My family used to breed and raise many species of rabbit when I was a child, so I have seen my share... my goodness! That photo made me smile and laugh through a very bad day. Thank you!

Your lovebirds are gorgeous. Yes, when they are a pair, they are like magnets, they do everything together and one is never far from the other. When one is out of sight, they will immediately begin calling out with high-pitched punching contact calls.

I have a pair of lovebirds who are both tame. One of them was tame when they came and only had to get used to me, they other had never been handled and had to be tamed as well. After having these birds for a year, they are both tame and used to me, but one of them is still terrified of human hands. I still must roll my sleeves over my hands or cover my hand with a rag when I ask him to step up from his cage. Outside the cage, he is willing to step up onto a flat, open, upward-facing palm- but otherwise, though he knows there is nothing to fear from us he is still very fearful of our hands.

Sometimes the fear of hands is something that we must work around when taming a bird. Other times, their fear will fade as they come to know us. I find that rolling my sleeve over my hand and offering my arm is a trick that works for them.

When they were very new, I would offer a treat (millet, sunflower seeds, a home-made treat like Linda's Cornbread Recipe) and put it next to me or sit with it on my lap and the birds would come and eat it, and eventually they would get bold and climb all over me, eat from my hands...

I'm glad you found our community and look forward to hearing more about your lovies!