View Full Version : Newly purchased black-masked lovebird
ALS10
02-27-2005, 06:49 PM
Hello!! This is my first time here. I recently purchased a black-masked lovebird from a local parrot shop. I was told he was the youngest of the store lovebirds as well as having been hand-fed. I was not told exactly how old he is. I need to know how I can go about training him. He flies around the cage in a panic when I try to pick him up. I have read that holding them near your chest and talking softly to them is a way for them to get used to you and to calm them down. Is there any truth to this? I have also heard that you should start by offering a treat through the bars of the cage, then once bird takes it from your hand, place your entire hand inside the cage until he takes the treat.
Which way is the right way? He bites alot when I try to pick him up, and while that doesn't bother me, I am afraid that he will continue to be scared each time I appraoch the cage. Should I continue to catch him as he flies around in a panic in order to hold him? Does this subside over time once the bird becomes bonded to you?
I would appreciate any help anyone could provide me! Thank you!!!
ALS10
First thing first- handfed does not always mean social.
I agree with the holding him to your chest. Just cup him in your hands and do that for a little bit at a time. Like, before bedtime or something. Best if the lights are dimmed and you're in an unfamiliar place. Sometimes birds just don't like hands (Dominick still doesn't really like my hands, though he is getting better), have you tried letting him just come out and get on your shoulder? Do try the treat thing aswell. It's more of a touch-and-go thing, and it takes time. I've had Dominick for months now and he STILL get's scared when I pick him up, but he's MUCH better than he was when I first got him. When I hold him I just cup him. He's gotten to the point where he'll give me kisses when he's on my shoulder and such.
Be patient, try both methods, do this only for a little bit at a time several times a day.
Also, I must have pictures. Do show! (*lovebird freak*)
ALS10
02-28-2005, 07:18 PM
Thank you, Kaye!! I was going to do that in case noone got back to me. I figured I would play it by ear and see how it goes. I was concerned that my presence would be a constant state of panic for him. I'll keep trying!! Thanks for your advice. And if I can get a picture, I'll post it for you. Thanks again.
If you have any more suggestions, please let me know!
Als10
SunConure
03-04-2005, 02:07 AM
sounds like he wasn't handled much when breeders hand feed there babies they normally play with them either before or after hand feeding them,or they handle them while there hand feeding. Just keep handling him/her and he/she will get used to you.
acards
03-05-2005, 10:17 AM
Let the bird get use to you. Sit in the room with the bird and let it just look at you and feel safe.Lovebids are aggressive birds(they bite).The first thing my lovebird did was fly on my shoulder and was curious about my ears!(but took some time).Be very patient and understand they are afraid(they are prey).Talk to the bird and if it lets you hold the bird but if its not comfy in your hands just wait some time.Best thing is to get a book and read up about them you will need to learn somethings.
ALS10
03-10-2005, 04:21 AM
Thanks sunconure and acards!
I have been handling him and he's not as frantic when I pt my hands in the cage. So I take that as a sign he's getting used to me. I also try to just sit with my hands in the cage holding a millet spray. So far he's coming over to eat it although he's still very timid.
I appreciate all your comments!!