Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have read a lot that lovebirds tend to be nippy and can get nasty with each other and their human companions. I recently got 2 lovebirds from a wonderful breeder and they are so sweet. They can home last Saturday, and had been weaned for about a week and a half. I love them so much!! I have a female Dk. Apple peach faced (Cricket) and a male Normal peach faced (River) So far they are great. They squabble a little over the huts, but that is rare. They have not been nippy with me at all and I would like to know what I can do to increase the likelihood that they will remain "love" birds. Thanks!!

Spend time with them. Socialize them daily. Remember their will be times in any birds life (just like in a humans) that they will want to be left alone. Honor their wishes when they want time to themselves as long as it doesn't start happening constantly, then you may need to force a little companionship on them LOL! Keep your voice gently, excited or happy when talking to them (when possible) they will learn to read your moods just as you read theirs. Some birds will be grumpy when their owners are grumpy, others try to do the cheering up. If your bird starts acting grumpy take a minute and try to figure out if there is a reason. Are you possibly a little grumpy or hurried, or maybe have you changed something they don't like or accept?

Get them used to changes so that when you need to make changes it won't cause them stress. Switch toys, perch positions etc regularly. Even though you should try to spend the same amount of time every day with them, vary it some. Maybe spend a bit longer on some days or start a bit earlier/later in the day. Then if something arises that causes you to need to change your time with them it won't cause tempermental problems. Do spend as much time as you can with them but try not to get them used to you always being right there if you know you will need to be away a lot (for example if you have a week off work/school don't spend every minute with them or they won't understand why you are suddenly ignoring them most of the day when you have to go back) Some birds learn to expect certain schedules and can become tempermental if those aren't adhered to so make sure to vary them while still socializing and playing regularly.

Good luck and we would love to see some pics!

Thanks. It's hard not to smother them with love, LOL. I think my poor cockatiels are jealous. They are still so young they aren't even full size yet. They still have black on the beak. I will try to get some pics of everyone to post!! I have two tiels as well, a pearl, and a pied (who has freckles, LOL)
they are so sweet. I have to stop myself with the little parakeet who is coming home soon. He isn't weaned yet. Otherwise I would have a house full of birds!! I'm only 28 but I think when I retire (long way down the road), I want to be a foster home for bird rescue. Probably will keep a lot of em haha.