New Bird, new questions!

[BirdMommaAK]

I'm a new first time mom to a lovebird, but not new to birds....as you can see from my signature! Actually, this bird is for my 6 year old daughter but I will be the primary caregiver for now.

My main questions are about letting it settle in and taming it. We got it from a breeder, and it was not handfed. It is pretty freaked out, but when we held it it never tried to bite and was pretty content to sit in our hands cupped against our chest. I think it will be fairly easy to get it to trust us, but I have ZERO experience with lovebirds.

Any tips or experiences would be great.....or if anyone has some great sites for beginners, that would be appreciated too!

I'll get some pictures up soon!

[LovelySydney]

Oh I LOVE lovebirds. I definitely advise a lovebird forum. more specifically Lovebirds Plus Community. I have been a member there since january and LOVE everyone there, we are like family! You can and will learn all you possibly can about lovebirds, I promise!

Any specific questions you have?? I have had lovebirds in the past and could try to answer some for you. Congrats on your new baby to be!!

[BirdMommaAK]

Thanks LovelySyndey, I logged on and am waiting my approval to be a new member!

So far, so good other than the high pitched squeal! I completely under estimated the noise this little buggar can make! But, my daughter is smitten so I can deal with it....as long as he and my Jenday don't get into competition because I'll have one unhappy hubby!

My main concern at this point is taming. He wasn't handfed, but isn't wild either. He is naturally terrified right now, probably will be for a few days but he tolerates handling well....no bites and settles ok. But he is a long way from being "friendly" so I'm just wanting to get ideas of what I should expect from this little guy. My conures all came around rather quickly, not sure if I can expect the same from a lovebird.

[hollyhawkz]

Hey Kiddo,


You have so much experience with the conures, just do the same.... soft voice, treats etc... etc... your an old hand at it by now. LOL

Just remember when lovebirds do bite they are tenacious. They will sink in and hang on. My niece had some and never had a bite from a rescue african grey she had, like she did from the love birds.... LOL They are tough little guys when they want to be.

On that scary note... I would love to see pictures!

[BirdMommaAK]

My daughter has named the bird Penny. I tried to convince her to name it Sunny or Skittles....no such luck!

I'm sure the bird is simply scared out of its mind, but its actually quite gentle. I first met the bird yesterday, took it out and it did bite me but hasn't since. I took my daughter back today and she was smitten.

I'm hoping it stays nice for my daughters sake, she loses interest pretty fast if she thinks something dosen't like her. But, I'll work with her so she understands its fear based and not the bird being mean. None of my green cheeks like the kids, Asia is downright devilish around them. Cyrus is awesome with my daughter, but he is my baby so I wasn't about to give him to her! She wanted a lovebird, and you all know me......I can't say no to birds!

I got a few pictures!

[hollyhawkz]

Aww cute pictures... Hello Penny!

[Emmilyy]

Wow she's a cutie! I hope she's settling in OK! ... and i like the name Penny! hehe

[Eliza]

Oh, l love creamino peachies -- Penny is a beauty :)

Vera Appleyard's book The Lovebird Handbook is really quite helpful, as is her website: Parrots Senegals Amazons Lovebirds at Parrot Parrot.

Best of luck! I miss having a lovie... they are GREAT little parrots :D