Ok, so why do they run?

[DixieKitten]

I'm trying to figure out if I am actually scaring them, or if they are just being silly birdies. I have 2 lovies, one who is super tame (he'll step up, get petted and snuggled, i can clip wings w/ him just standing on a table, etc) and one who likes to sit on you and get petted but is not as tame. When I try to get them off their cage they will run back and forth but when I get my hand in the right place they will step up and come visit me. So is this "bad" or is it ok? I mean, do I have to wait until they run up to me, or do some birds never do that but still like getting handled and petted? They will come over to me if they are loose in a room but not if they are on their cage.... thoughts?

[zlatushka]

If you mean that they are doing their little wobble run (but not the shrieking/flapping/fleeing-in-terror run) I would say that it isn't so bad. Mine do this sometimes, and I honestly think it's kind of a gut reaction "Oh no something is coming at me!" or a "No, thanks I like it just where I am." kind of thing. I'll usually get the waddles for a couple seconds then they'll stop and step up. Is that the same for you?

[LauraO]

I'm with Rachel: Sometimes lovies just don't want to get up or it takes them a minute to realize what you want. Do you say the up command. If not, you may want to start using a verbal command before you actually move your hand toward them. Another trick I use is stick training. My lovies, even the tame ones, seem more willing to step up on a stick than my hand. My lovies favorite game when they don't want to step up is to step, slowly, just an inch or so away from where my hand can reach. That tells me, I'm not scared I just don't want to get up right now:rolleyes: .

[Z28Taxman]

Ditto sometimes likes to play the catch me game. I'll open his cage and he'll come out, as soon as I put my finger or shoulder there for him to step up he runs back in his cage. When I don't reach in after him he comes back out acting like he's ready to step up and the cycle repeats. I just walk away and before I can take 3 steps he flies to my shoulder. :rofl: I think he wants me to go in the cage with him. :rotfl:

[Janie]

Two of my tame lovies often run from me when I'm going after them to put them back in the cage.....just like a kid! :D No "alert" calls, just trying to get away from momma before she can lock 'em up! My three are out of their cages on an average of 8 hours a day and still act insulted when I need to lock them up! :whistle:

Sounds like your lovies aren't at all scared, just messin' with you! ;)

[Purpose By Design]

:rolleyes: Sydney does the same thing,when open his cage,he comes to the door and is just about to climb out when i try t o pick him up he runs back inside his cage like Dave said its a cycle and as soon as i leave the room he starts chirping and wants to be out.they are so funny sometimes .

[DixieKitten]

okok..... i think they are fine. although the 2nd one will do a little alarm chirp so maybe i should back off with her(him/it). it's just weird that anywhere else they will happily step up and play, but on the cage they run and when my hand gets close they stare at it and have to be convinced to step up (i will have to actually bring my hand right up to their feathers)

i should try the stick thingy.... that will make it easier to reach them.

[mjm8321]

okok..... i think they are fine. although the 2nd one will do a little alarm chirp so maybe i should back off with her(him/it). it's just weird that anywhere else they will happily step up and play, but on the cage they run and when my hand gets close they stare at it and have to be convinced to step up (i will have to actually bring my hand right up to their feathers)

i should try the stick thingy.... that will make it easier to reach them.

You just said it. It's THEIR cage and you are putting your hand in to get them. :lol You can certainly try the dowel though many lovebirds like to have the cage door opened and be allowed to come out on their own. Just my :2cents:

[michael]

When its time for Goof to go back he's ready and willing until you get to the cage, then he scurries behind your head and wants you to go first! And if I left the door open he'd be gone all day, except of course to get a nibble or two of food but then he usually gets crunchies while he's out plus a couple treats. Might as well hang out the "gone for the duration" sign. .Michael N' the vagabond wannabe.

[Z28Taxman]

When its time for Goof to go back he's ready and willing until you get to the cage, then he scurries behind your head and wants you to go first!

Ditto used to do that all the time! :rofl:

Now he just hope right in.

[michael]

Ditto used to do that all the time! :rofl:

Now he just hope right in.

Maybe I'll just get a really big cage, then I can just hop right in!

[Z28Taxman]

Maybe I'll just get a really big cage, then I can just hop right in!

That's what Ditto want's me to do!

[sdgilley]

That's what Ditto want's me to do!

That I want to see! :omg: :lol

[Z28Taxman]

That I want to see! :omg: :lol

While the cage is big enough, I can't fit through the door. :whistle: