Reasons your lovebird is grumpy!!!

ssgreen

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Feb 11, 2022
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40 years of having and raising Agapornis roseicollis aka Peachfaced Lovebird has taught me a lot! Many thanks to all whom have inspired and instructed me!

1) Boredom
Lovebirds get bored easily. Change out toys, even thier most favorite toys, will keep that birdie brain busy! Grooming toys, toy made for the purpose of destruction are best. Also brain game toys aka foraging toys, where treats are put inside a puzzle!
2) Possessiveness/Teritorial
Lovebirds become very perturbed when "Their space" is invaded... However, intrusions are necessary. Let your Lovebird come out of their cage on it's own... Then feed, water, clean, change toys, etc.
Use specific treats to encourage birdie to come out.
3) Training
Babies need to learn to come to the cage door and out onto your finger. Use treats for reinforce good behavior. Constantly
using GENTLE pressure on the lower tummy and a verbal command of "step up" 10 - 15 times every single day. I have always clipped the first 12 flight feathers during training. About 3-6 months because the bird will see it's owner as "The safe place". LoveBirds in the wild are prey animals. Being on the ground is very scary at first!
When they flop to floor? Immediately retrieve them offer your finger and tell birdie to "Step up". Sympathize, "oh poor birdie! Did fall on the floor!? I'll always save you...." Create a good relationship your bird will want to bond with.
4) Make time to spend with birdie. Everyday. Put it in your schedule. They do get upset if their person or family ignores them for too long. They crave attention! Snuggles, scratched around the head and shoulders rides!
Neglected Lovebird's are very grumpy!
5)Beeeee patient! Bonds aren't built in day. 12 months of nummies, and affection will win them over!
6) Lovebirds are curious. Think baby. They put EVERYTHING in their mouth. Your bird needs to explore its world with it's beak. Over time they learn how much pressure is to much for you. That will beak will turn ito grooming mode eventually. When your little explorer gives you too much pressure? DO NOT SCREAM! Stay calm, say "No! That hurts..." and return bird to it's cage. Start over in 5 minutes. Lovebirds have a need to stay with its "flock". Birdie will want to be returned to your company.
7) Who's the boss? ... Bossy is a general character for Peachfaced Lovebird. It's very important that you become the flock leader. Establish a few ground rules and a regular routine. It's important for your birds respect and SAFETY! A bird on the loose, with no limitations? is a hazard to its self...

Happy birding!
 

Laurasea

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overall very nice.

Tho I'm not for clipping young birds , even more so against clipping more than the five primary flight feathers. Flight is an important milestone and develops mind, vision, flight muscles and wing structure and more. And is program into them to fledged.

It's great to heve a love bird enthusiast join us! We have needed you
 

Terry57

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First, welcome to the forum! You made so many good points in your post about lovebirds, and that was wonderful to read.
I do agree with Laura both about clipping a baby who hasn't fledged , and not clipping 12 feathers.
Have you ever tried it without clipping? It may surprise you and work as well as how you're doing it now:)
I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts, I think we can all learn from each other.
 
OP
S

ssgreen

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Feb 11, 2022
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Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Bourk's Parakeet
Macaw
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overall very nice.

Tho I'm not for clipping young birds , even more so against clipping more than the five primary flight feathers. Flight is an important milestone and develops mind, vision, flight muscles and wing structure and more. And is program into them to fledged.

It's great to heve a love bird enthusiast join us! We have needed you
Thank you for your kindness!
To clip or not to clip... Age old debate.
I'm afraid I'm in "clip club". I've just heard too many horror stories about people losing their birds out a door, into a Ceiling fan, crashing into windows, even drowning in a toilet bowl...
Certainly there are pro's and cons to each thought. More natural not to clip and etc. If the pet is in a great environment with educated owners with "bird proof" homes it's probably okay not to clip.
My old B&G Macaw was clip all of his life. He was completely happy and content. Out to perch every day, lots of "destruct-oh" toys and his favorite TV show "The Wonder Pets". When it was taken off air? I bought Noah a DVD of his beloved wonder pets!
Very sadly he past away 3yrs ago.
We have adopted a ten yrs old B&G Macaw named Tango. What a joy he is too! He also loves PBS kids...
 

Laurasea

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;).
All those happen to clipped burds as well.
It is a topic that gets heated. And probably best debated in its own thread
And I do want to enjoy your experience and tips in this thread. We haven't had a real active love bird thread in a long time.
 

BirdyBee

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I have to agree with Laura. Clipping young birds isn't the best, and I don't reccomend clipping more than 6-7 feathers max. But I think we shouldn't talk to much of this before it becomes a heated debate, but if it's just a friendly discussion about our opinions, then it's fine:) the OP seems like a reasonable and kind person and I don't think they'll attack anyone of us for our opinions.

I've never owned a lovie! But I don't think they'll be the right pet for me lol. But this is an informative thread!
 

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