HI

[emgee]

Hi I'm another newbie

I just acquired two new lovebirds. They're both young and of course I have no idea what gender they are. I've been searching for good information on small parrots online and keep coming back to this site. I'm really enjoying it and all the pics as well

I also have a budgie.
All my birds are timid. I'm not sure if I want to train them but I would like them all to be more confident when I'm around. It's awful when they shy away from you.
Both cages are in my busiest room but it's also a walk way from outside to inside.
Maybe it's overwhelming for them?
Anyway it's great to be part of this forum ..... thanks for accepting me!
emgee

[liz]

Welcometo the forum.

Myrtle was terribly withdrawn when I rscued her. I thought she would be afraid with all the excitement in the house. She stayed in her cage the first day. The second day she stayed on top of her cage. Now she is part of the Kaos in the house. No - most of the kaos.

[Shelby]

Welcome to the forum!
You could try moving them to a less busy part of the house where they can still see and hear most of the things going on but not feel like they are in the middle of all the crazy action.

Also, are they getting enough sleep at night? Most birds need about 12 hours of restful sleep at night, plus any naps they feel like during the day.. This means being in a dark, quiet room. They should be where they won't be disturbed by your nighttime activities such as watching TV or listening to music or being on the computer. Some people cover their birds' cages, but it isn't always necessary, depending on your lifestyle. A bird that isn't getting enough sleep during the night could be nervous during the day.

How long have you had your birds? They could be skittish because they're still not used to you and are still adjusting to your home. Throughout the day and when you feed them, you could just stand by their cages and talk nicely to them and maybe try offering treats like spray millet through the bars (so they can get the treat but not worry about being too close to you). Hopefully, they'll soon start realizing that you are the source of all good things in their lives!

[GlassOnion]

Welcome!!

[emgee]

Hi and thanks for your great welcome and helpful replies.

I did try moving their cage Shelby but they didn't like it as it's quite dark in my house and they just spent the day in their house so I moved them back out into the sunshine. I made them a house to be cosy in and they totally love it. I got a coconut fibre hanging basket liner and stitched up one side and secured it in their cage. It's cone shaped and they spend lots of time in there and sleep in it and pick at it lol. They think it's the best and can go somewhere where they feel secure.
these birds are are young but not sure how old but they come from an aviary from a backyard breeder who has dozens and dozens of birds in aviaries. I got them a couple of weeks ago so I guess they just need time to readjust to more personal attention and settle into the new routine. They are a bit quieter now and even tho they get nervous when I go into their space, when they realise it's me they relax and go back to what they're doing so it's happening. I can just sit out here for an hour watching their antics!
We also have two very curious but non aggressive cats. The birds saw them first day and at once thought, oh well....just cats. I was happy about that.
Nice to be part of the forum !
I'll let you know how we go with bonding ......
Miriam

[Shelby]

I don't have lovebirds myself (but when I get a bird, I'd LOVE to get a lovebird - they're so cute!) but I am told that they bond better with their human friends if they don't get to bond with another lovebird. You might try keeping them in separate cages and see if they warm up to you more. Of course, if they don't get to hang out with each other, YOU will have to provide the entertainment and love. If you work/are away for many long hours each day, it might be best to leave them together.

Also, try changing their toys and giving them new things to play with every few weeks. If they get bored, they will be very unhappy and develop bad habits. Lots of bird owners have a stash of toys and they rotate only a few in and out of the cage frequently.

Good luck and keep us updated on your progress! Do you have some pictures of your birds to share?

[liz]

If you split them up they will be even more timid. Just work with them. One will come around sooner than the other but will help the other.

[emgee]

Hi thanks for your input.

I'll keep them together. I just want them to be happy not frightened!

I have taken heaps of pictures but they got a bit wary of the camera after a while. I'm desensitizing them slowly. So much new stuff for them to get used to!.
Not sure where to post pics haven't looked yet but I will do.

cheers

=)
miriam

[liz]

When I first got Myrtle, the woman said she never made a noise and never came out of her cage. I put her above the kaos in a high traffic area where she could watch everything going on.

Now she only goes in her cage to eat. If something scares her she goes to the top of a door and watches until she knows what it is.

She not only talks and sings La La La but will also talk back when I tell her no. Right now she is doing laps around the room. Her new idea of fun is to smack the top of my head with a wing as she goes by. She is doing that now. I have paper weights on everything on my desk.

I don't know if that will work for yours but it sure did for Myrtle.

My daughter never socialized her two lovies. I have them on a counter between the kitchen and dining room. (the dining room is my work area.) They now call me and greet me when I walk in the room. One has let me pick him up for cuddles.

[emgee]

Oh Liz that's beautiful! I'm glad you had such success with Mytle! She sounds adorable.

It's too DARK inside here for my birds. In a light traffic area anyway. I keep getting the feeling that they should be out in the fresh air and where they can see the world go by. I don't know I think I'll just have to go slow and listen to all advise =)

I'm a bit concerned about how my cats would react to a free bird in the house. A bigger bird I wouldn't worry about, they could fend for themselves, but not sure on lovies. They hid up in a high corner of their cage before I got them their little house. I don't thing any of us is ready for for free flighted birds yet.

I tried to upload a photo but I had it in the wrong format. I'll change that today and try again.

miriam