good start??

[Bekah]

Ok I got my Lovebird today he is actually doing a great job he loves to be on my shoulder and now playing in my hair. He has been playing with his toys and eationg carrots and his seeds. He even likes millet(of course). He still is a little freaked when I pick him up but he is fine afterwards.Sometimes he will fly away when I try to pick him up. Should I be more careful?? I was wondering if this is good for the first day and what else I could do to bond with him. He is also on my sholder right now which is really awesome =D

[linda040899]

Rebekah,
That's excellent for a first day! Whoever raised him seems to have socialized him well! He is in a strange place, away from everything familiar, so it sounds like he's handling things very well. Keep up the good work! :)

[LauraO]

Bekah: Congrats!!!!! I am so glad your little lovie is now safely in his forever home. I agree with Linda, it's a great first day. Given he was handled and socialized well, handling him and spending as much time possible with him is a great thing.......I would suggest to start working with him on the step-up on your finger then on a perch/dowel. It really only takes a day to teach tame/socialized lovies this and then you won't have to grab him anymore.

hmmmmmm? I've taught a bunch of lovies to step-up but I really have a hard time advising on how to do it :confused: :confused: :confused: . I guess I would get him on your finger and press your other finger against his chest and say step up. If he doesn't step-up put your free finger closer to his feet and kind of use the other fingers on the hand holding him to nudge him a little. If he steps up on the other finger then you praise him and continue to do it as much as possible. If it gets difficult and the lovie isn't getting it, I've been known to pick up the bird and put him on the finger saying "step-up" as I'm doing it. Just be patient and you will get it in no time.

Good luck and keep us updated:D

[bellarains]

Bekah,

It does sound you you are doing very well together. Laura gave you good step up instructions, and praise if what they love, so each time he steps up, you say "YEAH!!!!!!!, Good Boy".

If he is doing that well with you holding him, try holding him close to your heart with your hand cupped over him lightly, but leave his head so he can see. This is a snuggle moment, and I think it is a very good bonding method, if the bird allows it that is:)

[linda040899]

One thing that I've found that works well is this. Once the bird puts one foot up onto the "new" perch, lower the finger/dowel that he was on so he has no choice but to move the other foot. I do this a lot with my larger parrots. In fact, I almost have to do it.

If they are on a perch in/on their cages and I want them to step up, I raise my hand slightly once they put one foot on it. The move doesn't have to be drastic; just enough to make them realize that they are going to have to transfer the second foot or there's going to be balance problems... :)

[Bekah]

Yeah the bird new step up quit well already because The breeder taught it too him. The only problems I have is sometime he wont want to come on my hand only sometimes and my brother has all these friends and my friend always want to be around him and he has like 5 people around him. That really freaks him out and I cannot seem to get most of them away. otherwise he loves top fly to my shirt and climb on my shoulder and climb on my pony tail on my hair. He doesnt seem to want to eat much frut but he has tried eating a little bit of broccoli. Just how do I get him more used to me.

[LauraO]

Just how do I get him more used to me.

Just continue to spend as much time possible with him. Also remember that you have made a 10 to 15 year committment with your lovie so there is plenty of time to get to know each other.

I would be careful having lots of people around him if he's uncomforteable. I think I would put him somewhere quiet if there are lots of people around and possible introduce them one at a time so he gets used to having lots of people around.

[Lindades264]

Hello,

I have read all the notes so far, but just a couple more things- please be careful not to tire your bird out. It seems like your bird may have had a long day so far. I know it seems really exciting that he is playful and all, but he also needs quiet time. I have read that the 'step up' command can really tire a bird out, so only do it a few times and then give your bird a rest. Birds get nippy when they are tired. Make sure you give him lots of praise also. As for playing with your hair , be sure he does not move to your ears. Some people think that this is cute, but it actually leads to biting, and it is very hard to break this habit. It sounds like your birds is bonding with you, but pace yourself and you will have a happy bird for many years ahead. Hope this helps.

[Bekah]

Thank you soo much Linda(both of yall) lol He has nipped my ears once but thats it I told him no and he never done it again. The only problem I have is him getting on my hand mainly. When he is on my bed when I come to pick him up he will kinda run away but sometime I can go right up to him and pick him up. Especially on my shoulder when I try to get him he will move top the other side and will keep doing. Its very hard to get him. I know I have the whole day to myself with noone else and I will work with him different parts of the day. Anybody have sugjestions?? Thank all the replies were very helpful!! I really want my petey to be used to me. Its getting there

[Lindades264]

Hi,

Sounds to me he is just being playful, or he does not want to come right now. It all takes time and you are doing a fine job.

[Lovebirds1578]

Wow, thats impressive! Don't wear the lil one out too much!! I have yet to work with my bird, ive had it for a week. After the vet tomarrow, i think i'll start...

-Ben

[Bekah]

Thank you all. Ben I hope the training goes well!! Yeah I have been trying not to tire him out I will give him some rests and a little bit of millet when he is being a good birdie. He seems to be happy. Tommorow I will just work on him a bit to get him to know me a little better. Thank you for all the replies everything has helped alot with me and Petey!

[LauraO]

Wow, thats impressive! Don't wear the lil one out too much!! I have yet to work with my bird, ive had it for a week. After the vet tomarrow, i think i'll start...

-Ben

Ben: That birdy of your's needs to come out of the cage and get some excersise. I suggest you read through the behavior and Taming section so you can begin working with Houdini. The most important things to remember are 1) Birds aren't meant to live 24/7 and 2) consisitency and patience is the way to build a lasting relationship.

good Luck:D