Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Everyone! We welcomed a love bird into our home yesterday evening! This little baby is so adorable. I'd been researching birds for quite sometime and decided on a Lovebird. When I went to the pet store, I wasnt planning on buying one yet, but he just looked so lonely in a little cage with no toys! So I bought him and a big cage with plently of toys! I just had a few questions I was hoping to get a little help with. What is the best way of going about taming him. Should I just make sure to give him attention everyday, until he warms up to me and comes to me himself? Also, how can I tell how old he is? Thanks, any advice is appreciated!

I always like the patience method of taming better than the forced taming. It seems to last better and build trust instead of fostering fear. Be patient and consistent. First you can try just talking to your bird outside the cage. Or you can try taking the cage with you into a smaller room such as a bedroom or bathroom (make sure mirror is covered etc) and close the door and open the cage door. Then patiently talk to your bird and allow him/her to come out to you. Treats may help or a favorite toy. Millet sprays, crinkled paper etc may entice him over. If he gets out of the cage and refuses to return gently pick him up with a towel and place him back into the cage. Try not to "chase" him if possible. If this method doesn't seem to work many use the fully toweling method on smaller bird and securely (but not tightly) hold them in a towel being careful not to press on their chest and rub their head, talk to them and spend time with them while they are in the towel. Then when they are calmer loosen the towel while still talking to them and giving head scritches. Gradually your bird should be able to come out without the towel and trust you enough.

Thank you so much!! I have another question. Is it possible to own other birds of different species when you have a single lovebird? I've been researching and I hear love birds can be very jealous little birdies!!

We have no problems having lovebirds and multiple other birds. We do have to watch and either not allow them out of the cage at the same time or supervise them closely if they are. Yes lovebirds can be jealous and they can take it out on their owners or other birds but if you are careful about how you treat them or allow them to play there should not be any problem. We have seen lovebirds in other homes that have bit or even killed another bird out of jealousy but this was because the owner didn't know to take precautions and stuck them in the same cage together. We have also seen lovebirds house with budgies or cockatiels in the same cage (I wouldn't recommend this) but they go along perfectly. It all depends on the bird and how any new meeting with others is approached or treated.