Office Birds

[lilwonder512]

Hello,

A little less than a month ago, my office purchased two baby lovebirds. They are still scared of everyone and usually hop to the furthest part of the cage when someone comes close to them. If you put your hand in the cage, they go crazy, squawking and flying all over the place. Anyone have any advice as to how to calm them? I would like them to trust me more, so that I can pet them, hold them, and eventually allow them out of the cage. Since I'm the only one in the office for most of the day, and the one who cares for the, I am pretty sure they are a little more familiar with me.

I'm afraid their living conditions may make them nervous. We close the office at around 5pm and at that point, it is pitch black in the office until 9am the next day. And on the weekend, we put them in the bathroom, because there is a window in there. I know these arent normal living conditions, and much to my dismay, there is no other choice.

I would appreciate all help and advice!

Thank you!!

[RicosPoppy]

Well, let me be the first to say, that while I am sure most of us here (including myself) are incensed at the idea of Lovies being used for office decoration, we commend you on doing the right thing. And that's coming here to get advice on how to put yourself in a position to make sure these birds are cared for in the best way possible.

I'm no expert, but I'm sure many others here will offer sound advice on the best way to help these guys adjust to their new surroundings. Birds are all very unique individuals. They all respond differently to their surrounding, and other people (creatures) in their lives. But one thing is constant if you want to be a good companion. Their trust must be earned. And this often takes much time and patience.

It sounds like you have already taken on the responsability of primary caretaker. I would suggest, if it's a possability, that you take them home with you on the weekends. All of us here probably couldn't bear the thought of leaving our birds alone for an entire weekend. To often, things can happen that require immediate assistance. Not to mention, birds need clean water and it should be changed many times on a daily basis. Also, having the birds with you at home, hopefully in a controlled environment, would be helpful in starting any type of training. And by training I mean getting them used to humans and more specifically hands. This is best done in most cases by bringing the birds out in a small, dimly lit room. They tend not to be so skittish or elusive when the lights are dimmed.

That would be my two cents on where to start. We have many people here who will recognize you are trying to make the best of a not so good situation, and I'm sure they will all offer great advice. I just wanted you to know that most people don't realize how intelligent and affectionate these little guys are. You have done the right thing, and if you stick around to listen what people have to say on these boards, and just dedicate a small part of your time and life to the lovies, the rewards will be enourmous.

[Janie]

Hi and welcome! I think you can tame them, at least to the point of them no longer being afraid of you. And, especially since you are the only one in the office for most of the day. Talking to them, softly and often is a good way to start. A month isn't really a long time for birds to settle in and some might take as long as 6 months to form a trust with their care giver. They might not ever be tame enough to be petted but with a lot of time, patience and effort, I think you can get there. I hate that they are left alone all weekend....is it possible for you to check on them, at least once a day on Sat. and Sunday? To give them fresh seed and water? That would be great if you can. Many folks here work all day and only have a short period of time in the a.m. before work and then a few hours in the evening, after work, to spend time with their birds so really, these birds will have lots of time with human contact with your being there all day. If you have a refrigerator in the office, you can also try to get them started on eating fresh veggies....broccoli is a good one to start with. Check out the "behavior" section of the forum and also the health and diet sections. You'll find several threads that can help you with bonding/trust and with diet.

An office situation is certainly not ideal but with your extra efforts, it can work out. Be sure they have lots of toys in their cage and I would also leave on a night light or even two, at night. I'm assuming that there are no windows in the office except for the bathroom. A window, during the day, would be nice. I hope you'll get more suggestions here. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask more questions. I appreciate that you care enough to try to make their lives better.

Well, let me be the first to say, that while I am sure most of us here (including myself) are incensed at the idea of Lovies being used for office decoration, we commend you on doing the right thing. And that's coming here to get advice on how to put yourself in a position to make sure these birds are cared for in the best way possible.

Rico's Poppy was typing at the same time I was.....I think his opening line says it all! You've got 'em and your are trying to do the best you can for them. That says a lot!

[mjm8321]

I too, applaud you for looking for more information for taking care of the pair of lovebirds. I agree with the idea of bringing them home on weekends, leaving a nightlight on for them at work at night and my thought if the office has no windows at all, perhaps an investment (the office might spring for this since the birds are the "office" birds) of a Full Spectrum light. Office lighting is horrible for both humans and birds alike, so it might make the employees happier to have better lighting too. If you cannot take them home on weekends, perhaps the light could even be put on a timer to turn on and off at set times, providing them with the "daylight" they need. Just a thought there. Diet is important too, if you can offer fresh or frozen veggies, please do and a great seed mix would be great for them. Toys for mental and physical stimulation for them is important as well. The biggest cage possible for them would be great so they can play, fly and explore a lot. Where is their cage located? They might feel more secure in a corner or at least with a wall behind them for security.
If their wings aren't clipped, they could be and even working with them for a short time each day (say at lunchtime) in a small space (perhaps the bathroom?) could be good for the taming process.
You might also explain to your co-workers that when they are in the office, that sticking their fingers in the cage, or getting really close to the cage and moving quickly will really scare the birds. You could always put up a sign that says "We bite!" That generally keeps fingers out of the cage.
My biggest concern for the little ones would them being alone on weekends, without fresh food or water. You could always begin water bottle training them, which is an option and offer extra dry foods on the weekends. If it's convenient to stop in at least once a day on weekends to change food and water, that would be great.
Good luck and welcome!

[butterfly1061]

Hello & welcome!

You've come to right place for any information pertaining to lovebirds. They are little parrots with BIG personalities. I just wanted to add a few things too. Be sure that the cage in located away from any drafts (ac/heat vents). I know in my office the vent is on the ceiling and blows right on top of me - brrrrrr. A night light would be great if you can't take them home on the weekends, but if you can I'm sure they would greatly appreciate not being left alone for such a long period of time. Lovebirds are very social birds and love the company of human interaction. When feeding fresh/frozen veggies, only leave them in cage for a few hours at a time as bacteria can begin to grow. I use dehydrated veggies (corn, peas, carrot, etc...) from www.justtomatoes.com You can leave these in the cage all day without any fear of bacteria. For some good reading, check out the "Library" section of the forum. Good luck and if you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask. That's what we're here for

[lilwonder512]

wow, i cant even express how much your replies mean to me. they were totally helpful and much appreciated! i am now bringing them home on the weekends. thank you again, from jay and vivi as well!!!

[sdgilley]

I'm so glad you can bring them home on weekends. There will be long weekends and holidays that will go much safer and happier for them since you're able to take them with you. I wish you the best of luck with them. They'll steal your heart before you know it!

[mjm8321]

I am really glad to see your reply and that the little ones are coming home with you on weekends! Keep up the good work!

[Paulette]

It's wonderful that you are taking care of these two. It looks like you have a Creamino (Vivi, I'm guessing) and a Masked (Jay, I'm guessing). They sure are lucky to have you! Lovebirds do love baths too. Have Fun.

[Janie]

Thanks so much for that update!