How to Tame Lovebirds? ( Compelling Guide)
Last Updated on November 8, 2023 by Ali Shahid
In the enchanting world of lovebirds, there’s a special kind of magic that these feathered companions bring into your life. They are not just pets; they are joyous bundles of vibrant plumage and chirping melodies that turn your home into a haven of happiness. Yet, there’s a secret that transforms this lovebird experience from enchanting to extraordinary – taming them. The question that echoes in the hearts of many aspiring lovebird owners is: How to Tame a Lovebird?
Imagine, for a moment, stepping into the shoes of an experienced lovebird whisperer. You see, taming these delightful creatures is an art that requires a blend of patience and time. But don’t worry. I am here to share my journey and guide you through the process.
It all starts with a gracious welcome, allowing your new lovebird to adapt to its surroundings for a few days. Then, the key is to initiate communication right from the beginning, making them feel your friendly presence. However, like a gentle dance, don’t rush into physical contact if they appear a tad nervous. Slowly and with utmost care, offer them sustenance, and when the moment is right, hold them tenderly. And if they choose to flutter away, let them – it’s all part of the dance.
Trust, my dear friend, is the cornerstone of this beautiful relationship. Create a peaceful atmosphere, one where your lovebird learns to trust your hands before you reach for food or embark on training endeavors. The time will come when they willingly step out of their comfort zone, and that’s when the real adventure begins.
Remember, keep them indoors, as these little avian wonders might surprise you with an impromptu flight if caught off guard. And, for those moments of distraction, simultaneous feeding can work like a charm.
So, if you’re ready to embark on this heartwarming journey of taming lovebirds, let’s dive into the simple guide below, where I’ll share the secrets that have turned lovebirds into lifelong companions for countless bird enthusiasts.
How to Tame Lovebirds (10 Easy Steps)
Right now, you must have a good understanding of how to tame lovebirds. But this takes patience and time. So, let’s check out our complete step-by-step guide.
- Let your Bird familiar
Let your bird get accustomed to your house. You can begin taming your bird after about two weeks of him adjusting to his new environment. Depending on their species, some birds may need more time to acclimate, while others may require less time. Put the cage in an area with lots of activity.
Quiet rooms seem ideal on the surface. You can, however, give your bird an environment where there is a lot of activity and human interaction so that it will become more comfortable.
2. Get close to your bird
There may be a sudden change in your bird’s surroundings that it is unfamiliar with. You have to be aware of two things when you are around your bird. The first is to sit near it. Avoid being seen as a threat by staying away from the cage. Lovebirds are prey birds, which means they cannot tell if you mean to harm them.
Walking around the cage is the second one. Your bird will be able to observe you while you ignore it. Around your bird’s cage, you are pretty much free to do whatever you want. Just entertain your lovebird by doing something different.
3. Make It Sense Your Smell
A lot will depend on your scent. When your lovebird is just moving into your home, it is time to get to know him or her. You don’t want to make the lovebird more nervous. Your lovebird can eventually become accustomed to your scent when you gradually introduce it to it.
4. Use Soothing Tone to Talk
As soon as you enter the room or are near the cage, talk calmly and gently to your bird. As your Lovebird begins to recognize your voice when you speak to it, you build the second phase of its trust. When you talk to your Lovebird, don’t be harsh or overly strict.
Your Lovebird will be more likely to like your voice if it’s soothing but steady. Your bird learns to recognize your voice the way a Lovebird learns the sounds of its mate’s call by talking to it.
5. Gentle Handling
Approach your bird gently and with slow movements. Normally, birds are shy creatures. As a result, any sudden movement is likely to scare them. If you move slowly and gently, your bird will feel at ease.
6. Hand Taming
Birds can be tamed with your hands, as it is a common strategy for achieving success. Your bird may, however, be highly wary due to his suspicious nature. Additionally, birds purchased from pet stores may be scared of human handling because they are used to humans grabbing and chasing them.
So slowly approach the outside of your birdcage with your hand and let your bird observe. Acclimate your bird to your hand inside his cage when he no longer seems startled by your hand outside of it.
Ensure that you place your hand slowly into his cage without making sudden movements. When placing your hand inside the cage, avoid making direct eye contact with your bird – this may cause him to feel threatened.
7. Use Bird Treats
Bird treats are necessary for taming scared lovebirds. Give your bird some treats to win them over. You can make this simple change to make them feel comfortable with you!
Try different types of treats to tame a scared lovebird. Eventually, you’ll find something the bird is attracted to, and when you’re holding the lovebird at all times, you’ll want to keep it within easy reach.
8. Let them sit on your finger
Holding your hand inside the bird’s cage, extend your index finger and bring your other fingers to your palm to create a perch. Your index finger should be placed just above the foot line, just below the breast line, as you move your hand slowly toward your bird.
By gently pressing against your bird’s body, you can encourage it to step on your finger. When your bird jumps away from the cage and flies to another area, don’t be surprised. Avoid chasing him around his cage if this happens.
If you wish to try again later, you may take your hand away and simply wait until he calms down. Whenever your bird sits on your finger, even for a moment, reward him with a treat.
9. Free them from their cages
Your lovebird may bite and dislike hands, but you will still let him out of the cage. Especially when their wings are not clipped, a scared or not fully tamed bird will flee. You should avoid chasing them. It will consider you a predator if you pursue after them, so you will suffer the consequences.
Stay calm and calmly approach the situation. Interact with your lovebird on a long perch. Don’t force them to take the perch, but place it in front of them. Take your time. It may be worthwhile to reward your bird for stepping on the porch.
Return them to their cage after they’ve been on the porch. If this doesn’t work the first time, try again. You can keep your lovebird from seeing what you are doing by making sure its back faces the opening when you bring the cage back.
10. Direction Training
After your bird is tamed and can hop on your finger, you have the option to choose the direction for training! Having your bird on your finger is a common pastime for many owners. Some encourage their bird to walk between their hands.
A bird always enjoys being fed treats. You will soon find your pet resting its head on your shoulder, sitting on your shoulder, or crawling up your arm as it becomes comfortable. You can have endless fun playing with your bird each day if you do so every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to tame an aggressive lovebird?
Keeping eye contact while praising the bird with a positive tone is also necessary. By laying out a towel in front of the bird’s food, your family can pick it with their fingers, just as birds do with their beaks. In this way, you can easily tame aggressive lovebirds.
How long does it take to tame a baby lovebird?
Taiming a young lovebird can be a process that lasts anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the bird’s individual temperament and its familiarity with new experiences. If you’re aiming for quicker results, it’s best to start the taming process when the lovebird is around 2 to 3 weeks old, although working with 4-week-old chicks can also yield good results.
Is it hard to tame lovebirds?
Taming a young lovebird is simple, but taming an older one can be a bit challenging. Nonetheless, by being patient and consistent, you can gradually earn your lovebird’s trust and train it to be more friendly and well-behaved.
Can you tame a bonded pair of lovebirds?
Based on my experience as a lovebird owner, I can confidently state that attempting to tame both a male and female lovebird together can be quite challenging. These birds typically form a strong bond with each other and may not be interested in becoming your companions. For a better chance at taming, it’s advisable to start with a single, young lovebird, and even then, success is not guaranteed.
Conclusion
Lovebirds have several underlying habits when it comes to dealing with people, so taming them requires strategy. In addition to having an advantage in bonding and being around other animals or humans, lovebirds also prefer being around people.
Honestly, it is just a matter of building trust and making them feel like you are not a threat. Many people will require only a few days of hard work while others will need months. Make sure you follow what you’ve learned here and don’t be scared of it!
As you begin to tame your scared lovebird, you will notice a change in its behavior. As you devote yourself to the birdcage, you will start seeing the lovebird come closer to you even when you aren’t holding it. As soon as you approach the cage, they will want to be near you. You are on the right track.
