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lovebirdnewbie · Dec 14, 2017

I recently got a "baby" love bird. I say "baby" because the breeder claimed she had so many she wasn't sure when exactly it hatched but it was definitely between May and August, so anywhere between 4 and 7 months (also I'm not really sure how long they are considered babies.) Anyway, she told me it was hand fed, so I assumed it would at least be used to hands.I was very wrong with this assumption. Its been over two weeks that I have had her and I can't get her out of the cage. She wont even take treats from my hand, and I know she loves the spray millet. I contacted the breeder who suggested I used a towel to grab her to get her out of the cage, But I have read in many places that this is traumatizing to birds. I read in another post about a love bird that would step up but was still very shy and timid at first. And I have read other post of people asking what to do because their new love bird was TOO clingy. I also keep reading it takes time, it takes time. But how much time is too much to spend in a cage? I'm nervous that if I don't grab her to get her out she will become too territorial and will never want to come out on her own, but I am also terrified of traumatizing her further. Any time I get my hand in the cage close to her, with a treat or not, she bats around like crazy, and she is in a small cage right now,so I'm scared she is going to hurt herself. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. Judging from other post, I feel like I may have gotten a dud of a bird, but I know I cant blame the animal. I've done everything I can think of. Like I said earlier, she is in a smaller cage so I take her with me to my bed room and let her stay on my nightstand while I sleep. (I'm working 3rd shift now so its often during the day. I make sure the curtain is open just enough so she has light) I am doing what I can to be around her as much as possible.Any suggestions on how to get her out/ tame/ use to me would be greatly appreciated.I just feel at a loss as to what to do next.

SailBoat · Dec 14, 2017

lovebirdnewbie said:
I recently got a "baby" love bird. I say "baby" because the breeder claimed she had so many she wasn't sure when exactly it hatched but it was definitely between May and August, so anywhere between 4 and 7 months (also I'm not really sure how long they are considered babies.) Anyway, she told me it was hand fed, so I assumed it would at least be used to hands.I was very wrong with this assumption. Its been over two weeks that I have had her and I can't get her out of the cage. She wont even take treats from my hand, and I know she loves the spray millet. I contacted the breeder who suggested I used a towel to grab her to get her out of the cage, But I have read in many places that this is traumatizing to birds. I read in another post about a love bird that would step up but was still very shy and timid at first. And I have read other post of people asking what to do because their new love bird was TOO clingy. I also keep reading it takes time, it takes time. But how much time is too much to spend in a cage? I'm nervous that if I don't grab her to get her out she will become too territorial and will never want to come out on her own, but I am also terrified of traumatizing her further. Any time I get my hand in the cage close to her, with a treat or not, she bats around like crazy, and she is in a small cage right now,so I'm scared she is going to hurt herself. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. Judging from other post, I feel like I may have gotten a dud of a bird, but I know I cant blame the animal. I've done everything I can think of. Like I said earlier, she is in a smaller cage so I take her with me to my bed room and let her stay on my nightstand while I sleep. (I'm working 3rd shift now so its often during the day. I make sure the curtain is open just enough so she has light) I am doing what I can to be around her as much as possible.Any suggestions on how to get her out/ tame/ use to me would be greatly appreciated.I just feel at a loss as to what to do next.

Sorry, but I have never heard of a breeder that did not know the age of any of their Birds! And, not being able to determine if the Bird is 4 or 7 months is just as unbelievable. After those two items, who knows if anything she has told you has any merit for belief.

Is the Lovebird flighted, i.e. has full Wings or trimmed Wings?

This is very important as to what recommendations someone will offer.

With you working third shift, you need to define a specific time to work with your Bird. And stay steady with the time.

Have you tried just leaving the cage door open and watching what your Bird does regarding the open door!

So, before moving forward, is your Bird's Wing Feathers trimmed or not!
FYI: Since anything that your breeder has told you has been useless, you will need to look at the wings when they are open to see if they are full length or not!

This should also get you bumped back up on the Board and other Love Bird People can jump in here also.

LordTriggs · Dec 15, 2017

yep, sounds like your typical profit based breeder. Assume everything you were told was nonsense.

it does take time to get them okay. Don't worry about them becoming territorial yet, that can take a very long time to happen. Read this thread, it will apply to lovebirds too. http://www.parrotforums.com/budgies-parakeets/72068-taming-bonding-budgerigars-tips-beginners.html it's all about those little steps and getting them used to the idea you wont hurt them. I would only ever towel them in a life or death emergency, it's not just scary. For them being caught and toweled is game over for them, to them they are about to be eaten at that point which isn't what you want. Just take your time slowly talking and getting closer inch by inch until your hand can be placed on the cage, avoid looking at them, remember we have predator face so are initially scary to them. Just work those baby steps until they are tolerant of you being around them then they can come out and let the chaos ensue

GaleriaGila · Dec 16, 2017

I'm glad you rescued that poor darling, and I'm so glad you found us. You'll learn everything here that you need to know about how to provide a wonderful, safe, loving home!

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