A couple Questions?

[khabibulin]

Hey guys, Well I have a couple questions, I am new to loverbirds and all...
Well first, the other day my bird would let me feed him and touch him but now when I get 5ft away from the cage he automaticlly jumps to the back on the bars, why is this? 2nd I was thinking about making toys out of legos that are small enough for him to swallow, is this safe? And last I got him a small happy hut, is there any way to how him its safe? I think he is scared of it because he looks and runs over and bites it and runs back to the other end of the cage and does this for a coule minutes, Does he just have to get used to it?

[DebSpace]

Um...you are thinking about making toys out of Legos that are small enough for him to swallow? :confused:

On the cozy tent, it is not uncommon for them to be afraid of something new. Particularly something large and/or brightly colored. Try taking the cozy out, but placing it near or on top of the cage to let your bird get used to it without feeling it is a threat to his territory.

As to his change in behavior toward you, just talk softly to him frequently. Also allow him to come out of his cage on his own. It can take several months for a bird to trust fully and even then some birds simply do not like to be touched by hands. Hope this helps. :2cents:

[khabibulin]

Oops. Thats suppose to say that ARENT small enough sorry, Well he will come out of his cage on his own and he will go back in when he wants, but I dont get why he was fine with me one day and scared the other? I hope its easier when his wings are clipped.

[zlatushka]

I'll tackle a couple of these...

Happy huts... I got a couple of the ones that Shy (shylevon) makes for my lovie, Friday. He absolutely refused to go near them for oh, a good week or two. Then it took him almost another 2 months or so for him to go IN. Once he did, though, he was in and out of them all the time. I think the same goes for the skittishness that you're seeing. Some birds are just bolder than others, although lovies in general are curious about things, they are also suspicious of new things and places. My bird is fine with being near me or on me or having me touch him, as long as it is his idea. I think it's just a personality thing that won't change for him. I doubt he'll ever be a "velcro birdy" like many here, but in his own way, his little forays to land on my arm or come play tug-o-war with the baby links is his own version of "velcro".

Wing clipping will make your bird more dependent on you. Loss of agility and movement=lessening of independence and zippety-taunting-buzz-dive-bombing. It can be a great tool for building trust, and letting your bird see you as a help and friend, rather than the Great Hand of Doom.

As for the legos, I personally don't see that it would be harmful. Just be sure that you supervise the play. Make sure that he can't get caught in any of the joins or swallow pieces etc... Just common sense :) Do be forwarned, though, that lovies are great chewers. You'll have to watch to make sure that he's not chewing pieces off.

Anyway.. hope that helps a little.

[DebSpace]

Yep, I agree with Rachel. I would supervise the Lego play, cuz those beaks combined with a crafty little brain can really do some damage. :omg: As far as fine with you one day and not the next, I think we all have days when our birds aren't in a good mood. In fact, my birds probably think the same thing about me! :rofl: There are just times when we feel healthy or daring :happy: and times when we feel puney or vunerable:x . Hang in there and try to be patient. I'm going through this with my new little male, Beau, and I wish we could just reason with them..."I am your FRIEND! I mean you no HARM, so jump on my finger and give me kisses!" :lol