Lisa Shea Forums Parakeets General Parakeet Chat I need help with my lovebird

It's a baby, born on December 14th so he's almost 3 months old now. He's my second lovebird and I'm having major issues with him. He knows step up, he'll get onto a perch and if he's out of the cage he'll get onto my finger but only reluctantly. The problem is when I try to get him to step up on my finger or a perch inside of his cage - he lunges for my finger and doesn't want anything to do with me. The thing is, he doesn't fly wildly around his cage if I put my hand in, or when I change his food and water, only if I try to go near him. I don't know what to do and this is really bothering me because my other lovebird is sweet as can be.

when he lunges he is saying my space and i dont want you here...do not jerk your hand back or remove it ...just give a sharp yell NO BITE and redirect his attention...instead of offering your finger which also gives more to bite offer your hand with fingers closed for him to step on...not just one finger...

also...your approach to him in the cage is very important...dont go right up to him instantly or quick...do it slow...and as soon as you see him starting to object say loudly NO and his name...but dont jerk your hand out or take it out till he shows a postive reaction...even if he dont step up at least not to lunge at you ...thats enough for now with just resting your hand on a perch near him or the one he is on ...dont attempt at this time to get him on your hand for several weeks till he gets that he isnt suppose to lunge

I'll start doing this with him, and hopefully after some time he'll come around. I won't try to get him to get on my finger or a perch until he has stopped lunging... at least he doesn't know his full strength yet, that'd be bad.

Hey Kirby&Yoshi! How have you been? And how are Kirb n Yosh doing??

thats a good idea for now...wait for awhile even after lunging has stopped to attempt it again and is he moulting by any chance when most tend to get a bit grumpy...dont forget also spring is in the air and testosterone and hormones are gonna run amuck with our birds now especially when they start to hear outside rain...omg ...i better start to look for a place to hide...cappy was only a baby this time last year ...egads