Bringing a new bird into your home is an exciting experience, but it can be challenging when your new feathered friend is older or fearful. Taming such a lovebird requires a significant amount of patience and understanding. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to build trust and create a bond with your avian companion, even if they come with a history of fear or simply haven’t had much human interaction.
It’s important to understand that taming an older or scared lovebird is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take months of consistent effort. Giving up halfway through will only prolong the process. The key is to take a slow, steady, and gentle approach.
Be Present and Observant
When your lovebird first arrives, their cage should be placed in a location where they can observe their surroundings without feeling overwhelmed. This allows them to acclimate to their new environment and the people in it.
Being around your bird involves two key actions:
- Sitting nearby: Position yourself at a comfortable distance from the cage, ensuring you are not perceived as a threat. Remember, lovebirds are prey animals by nature, and they need time to learn that you mean them no harm.
- Moving around: Gradually move around the cage. This allows your lovebird to study your movements and get accustomed to your presence while you go about your daily activities.
You can engage in quiet activities around the cage, such as reading, drawing, or knitting. The goal is to let your lovebird observe you naturally, without direct interaction, so they can begin to associate your presence with calmness and normalcy.
Gentle Communication is Key
Speak softly to your feathered friend. This can be done while you are sitting at a comfortable distance from their cage. Start by establishing a routine, such as greeting them with a soft “good morning” near their cage, offering food, and then going about your own breakfast. In the evening, say “good night” before turning off the light. This consistent, gentle communication helps build a sense of security.
Recognizing When Your Lovebird Calls to You
Over time, your lovebird will begin to recognize you. Even if they still display some defensive behaviors, they might start calling for you when you leave the room. This is a positive sign of developing trust. When your lovebird vocalizes in a specific tune, respond to them. Lovebirds are highly social creatures, and communication is vital for their well-being.
If you know you’ll be away for an extended period, you can even say “bye-bye, I’m leaving the house.” This helps manage their expectations and reduces anxiety when you depart.
Safely Introduce Your Hand
Introducing your hand to a scared or biting lovebird can be daunting. The goal is to avoid triggering their fear response, which might lead to aggression. Instead of directly approaching, try placing your hand on the cage for short periods, on the side opposite to where the bird is initially perched.
Initially, your bird might react defensively, puffing up its feathers. By keeping the duration short (e.g., 2 seconds), you minimize the risk of being bitten. Consistently repeat this process, gradually increasing the time your hand is near the cage and moving closer. Over time, you should notice a more docile reaction. Eventually, you may be able to slide your finger along the cage bars without inciting an aggressive response.
If your bird is less inclined to bite, you can place your hand on a perch on the opposite end from where the bird is sitting. Wait patiently for your lovebird to approach your hand. Limit these sessions to a maximum of 10 minutes to avoid overwhelming your bird.
Offer Positive Reinforcement with Treats
Once your lovebird shows less fear of your hand, start offering treats. This is especially effective when they are a little hungry. Choose a treat they absolutely love, such as seeds or small pieces of fruit, to create a positive association with your hand.
Apache calmly eating millet from my hand.
Offer larger seeds to minimize the risk to your fingers. Be mindful not to overfeed them treats. This is also a good time to introduce clicker training, associating the click sound with the treat and your hand. This positive reinforcement can significantly speed up the taming process.
Gradual Freedom Outside the Cage
Even if your lovebird is still fearful, it’s beneficial to let them out of their cage. If you are concerned about them flying away uncontrollably, you might consider wing clipping, although many believe it’s best to let birds fly naturally.
If your bird is not fully tamed and takes flight, do not chase them. Chasing will only reinforce their fear and make them see you as a predator. Remain calm and use a long perch to interact with them. You can encourage them to step onto the perch, perhaps with the lure of a treat.
When returning your bird to its cage, position the perch so their back faces the cage opening. This prevents them from seeing your actions and potentially becoming more anxious.
Start in a Smaller, Controlled Space
Allowing your lovebird out in a smaller room can limit their escape options and make them easier to manage. However, be aware that a confined space might also increase their anxiety. Pay close attention to their body language.
Let Them Approach You
Another effective method is to let your lovebird out without direct interaction. Sit still and engage in a quiet activity. Place some treats near you to entice them. Once they approach for the treats, remain still. If they are comfortable, you can try holding the treats closer, still without direct physical contact. This encourages them to come to you on their own terms.
Patience is Paramount for Taming Older Birds
Taming older or scared lovebirds is a testament to your patience. Building trust can be a long journey, sometimes taking over a year, especially if the bird has deep-seated fears. Focus on taking small, consistent steps, avoid overwhelming your bird, and repeat the process diligently. Remember, with patience and a gentle approach, you can successfully build a strong bond with your African Lovebird.
