New Mom Nerves

[PrettyBabyCockatiel]

I brought home a pair of untame, male peach-faced love birds this sunday and I'm kinda at a lose. I did all the reading, all my homework ...but now that they're actually here, chattering and freaking out when I change the water and food, I'm alittle unnerved and unsure of myself. Is that normal? I mean, I had a very difficult love bird when I was younger, but I never worked with her to improve. Now that I'm older and dedicated to making my house a good, safe home for the boys, Maverick and Forest, i did everything I could to prepare. I guess I was just wondering if I could get some advice on a good starting place. They came to me caged together and , while I have a second cage, I've let them stay together to this point. I know when I start to work on the taming they should most likely seperate. Other than that. help?

[LovelySydney]

Have no fear - this is normal lovebird behavior!!! Having had one very behaviorally challenged lovebird, I know it can seem somewhat hopeless. Don't get discouraged!! 1. They are in a new place, with new people and new routines. They need to settle into where they are. They sound like they haven't had much hand contact since they scare easily when you are changing food and/or water. I know mine would flutter about and rest on the side of the cage while I did things. Over time they got used to my hands coming in and out. I also made sure not to try and touch them as this only made them more scared of my hands and didnt get them used to them being there.

They are going to freak out for a little while. Lovebirds are very hard to get to gain trust (at least mine were!). Patience is definitely key when working with them. Its not going to happen over night, they are going to have to get used to you and learn to trust you. This could take weeks, months and in some cases even years! They may never like hands or people. One of my lovebirds, Gus, tolerated stepping up but nothing else. He played on his own and I grew to love him as my independent lovie. My other lovebird, Oslo, was happy to be with people. They all have different personalities and, like people, all prefer different types of contact.


Dont give up!! Gus took me about 4 months to get to a happy place with him. There were times I was so frustrated and so down because I didnt know why he didnt like me. But over time he started coming around and it was so rewarding to see him start to enjoy having me around!! When he stepped up for the first time I almost cried! All the work is worth it, believe me!! I would not advise ever forcing your bird to do something, that will only make the taming/training process regress. They need to feel comfortable enough to do it on their own.


I also recommend a lovebird specific forum. I am part of Lovebirds Plus Community. There is endless resources there for you and your lovebirds. I have been a member there since January, they were the first bird forum I ever joined!! Good luck with your birdies. Just remember, patience, patience and more patience!!! Good things will follow!!