Taming Peaches and Pinky

[Margot]

I have had 2 lovebirds for a year. They were a few months old when I got them and were not hand fed. I let them out of the cage daily. I want them to have a chance to fly and do not clip their wings but it is very hard to get them back into the cage. Sometimes they fly to my head or back and sit there a while. The only time they will sit on my hand is when I hold treats. That’s when I get a chance to kiss their backs, but no other touching has been possible. They have discovered the books on my shelves and want to chew them. I stop them immediately of course, but they don’t seem to learn and I have to keep chasing them away. This is very tiring and unpleasant. The only room where I can leave them alone and out of the cage is the bathroom, and I do leave them there when I go out, but it is too small for them to fly much. I would welcome advice on how to make them tamer. Can they ever learn to stay away from forbidden places?

[linda040899]

Hi and welcome to our community, Margot! :)
Your lovebirds are already partially tame, in that they will come to you and sit with you. There's trust in place, which is a good thing. All birds are individuals and not all like being held or cuddled. Also, being lovebirds, many are more interested in exploring their territory than staying in just one area.

The best suggestion I have is a mini wing clip, say 2-3 flight feathers on each wing. They will still retain the ability to fly but they will be limited in how high up they can go. If the books they love so much are higher up, they may not be able to reach them.

Another possibility is covering up their beloved books, at least temporarily, and offering them a shreddable replacement. Once they accept something else, it's possible (not 100% guaranteed) that they will prefer the replacement to the books. Lovebirds are hookbills and chewing is what they love and do best. :rolleyes:

[Margot]

Thank you, Linda, for your reply. When I got Peaches and Pinky their wings had been clipped and they ran around under the table and I couldnt catch them. That could happen again although it would keep them off high places, but I have covered some of the bookshelves and am spending more time getting them to step up on a stick and hope things will improve.
Margot

[linda040899]

Hi Margot,
Sounds like a good game plan to me! :)

[cprcheetah]

My little girl Kira, was hand fed, but she was very nervous of me when I first got her as she had bonded to her breeder. I have worked with her almost daily in the bathroom (as this way she doesn't have far to fly and I don't have to chase her all over my house), practicing step ups, lots of positive words in a happy tone. I tell her what a good girl she is to do step ups. Keep the sessions short. I also only let her 'fly around' in my office where it is confined as she still won't come to me, or let me catch her too easily.....but she is making progress. I would suggest you clip their wings a little and work on step ups. It's frustrating at first, but with time I'm sure you will make progress.....I also hand feed Kira Millet sprays and she accepts that and knows that one of her favorite treats comes from my hands....Just a couple of suggestions....My other Lovie, Kermit came hand tamed, finger trained, and kissable :-) Very nice! But Kira being able to watch how he is with us and that he gets out and about more has helped settle her down some....