HELP--Untame Lovebirds

[x0axm]

My boyfriend purchased a pair of black masked lovebirds for our anniversary. They are so beautiful, but are not hand handled and are not tame. They won't let us get near them. When I look in the cage to talk to them, they make an effort to move to the farthest corner of the cage away from me. When we reach in the cage, they flutter everywhere and if we try to pet them or hold them they bite. Does anyone have suggestions on how to tame them? The pet store said that they are under a year old but they aren't sure of their age. ANY advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!

[CrazyBirdLady]

Masked lovebirds are the most timid and skittish of the three popularly known species. These birds probably have not been handled in months and are going to need some time to settle in to their new surroundings first. If their wings are not clipped, I'd recommend clipping as a bird that cannot fly away is much easier to tame. Working with them individually, away from the other tends to work best. You might even find taking one at a time into the bathroom (small, quiet room) to just work on stepping up and basic handling works well for you. I have a pair of black masks that will never be tame. They have spent 2 and 3 years with me and they are just so nervous that I've let them just have each other for company and stopped attempting to tame them.
Patience and time is the key.