New Lovebird owner here with a few questions

[jlan79]

Hi everyone. I had my new Lovebird for almost a week. He's pet store bought because I just fell in love with him and he's pretty clearly not used to people. I was told he is 7mo. He's very fearful of me, when I clean the cage, bring over food, etc. I had his wings clipped only because he got out once and it took a long time to get him back into the cage (not to mention likely traumatic for him). I really want to tame him. He seems like such a sweet bird. I have no idea the gender, but think of him as a boy. So I guess my first question is how best to tame him and how long should I expect to spend doing this? Also, how do I let him out of the cage if he's so fearful? Just open the door and let him come out if he wants to?

My other question - he's very quiet, but chirps and becomes very animated when he hears birds outside. Does this mean he's lonely? Do I need to get him a friend? I'm not against this, but it's harder to tame two birds, from what I read, and there's no guarantee they will even like each other. In addition, since I have no idea what the gender of the bird really is, how would I know which gender to get?

Also, he doesn't really eat fruits and veggies that I offer, only pellets and seed from the store. Is it just because he is still getting used to his environment? He also started to pick on his band. I looked at his leg and there's no irritation or anything like that and he's only been doing it for the past few days.

He's also not interested in any toys in his cage, aside from the mirror. I'm guessing it's also because he's not used to the new place yet.

I know I have quite a few questions, but I'd appreciate any and all input you guys can give me.

Thanks

[love4birds]

Congrats on your new lovie!

There are many, many "methods" of taming birds. In my opinion, the least stressful method is to essentially let the bird tame itself by forming a bond with the bird. How I do this, is to start by quietly sitting by the bird's cage and holding a millet spray through the cage bars. Totally ignore the bird and stay very still, and eventually he'll come to investigate and munch on the millet. You can use any favourite treat, but I find the millet spray works very well because the bird doesn't have to come too close to your hand to eat initially. Eventually (we're talking weeks, most likely) he'll start seeing you as an interesting being who offers yummy treats and will slowly start to trust you more and more.

I have had my black-cheeked lovebird, Rigby, since October and this is how I've worked with him. He will now fly to me all the time and is very comfortable perching on me. But he is very scared of hands yet, which I attribute to him needing to be medicated (by me and my scary hands) when I first brought him home. He is also almost three years old, so I know he's going to take a bit longer to fully "tame". I used to have another lovie, Kermit, who responded very well to this training as well and was stepping up like a pro before he passed away in November.

As for letting him out of the cage. With my untame guys, I just open the cage and allow them to explore if they so choose. They usually figure out to go back in on their own, but if I need them back in in a rush, I put a treat in their cage and let them see it... then they usually hightail it back lol.

I don't think chirping at the wild birds necessarily means he is lonely, although I do feel they are happier in a pair/flock. My three lovies always chirp at the wild birds even though they have each other.

It will be easier to tame him if he is alone unless the second bird is already tame.

They can be picky when it comes to trying new foods, but I would keep offering new things:) As he settles in he will probably become a bit more adventurous. Same for playing with toys. Most lovies enjoy shredding toys.

Only one of my lovies is banded (Rigby), and he picks at his band too. He often slides it out of the way to itch underneath it I think. I've been debating having it removed, but it kind of scared me to have it cut off.