How to Domesticate Lovebirds

Lovebirds originate from Africa and are distinguished by their bright yellow, red, pink, green and orange feathers. Lovebirds are one of the smallest species of parrot, but can live for up to 20 years. They're sociable and, as such, prefer to be kept in pairs or groups. This type of bird is easy to look after but if it's new to your household or shy, you might need to domesticate or tame it. With regular practice, you can train lovebirds to sit on your shoulder or hand.

Things You'll Need

  • Birdseed treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize your lovebirds with their new surroundings. Position their cage in a quiet area of your house, one that has minimal noise or distractions, to avoid startling them. Make sure you visit them several times a day; talk to them in a soft, low voice so that they gradually learn to feel more comfortable in your company.

    • 2

      Offer birdseed-based treats, such as broken sunflower seeds or small pieces of millet, through the cage once the lovebirds are comfortable having you around them. You'll know they're comfortable with you because they won't be as fidgety or anxious when you enter the room. Rather, they'll be curious and attempt to approach you to nibble at the food.

    • 3

      Finger-tame your lovebirds. Open the cage door and hold your hand out. Don't touch them or feed them anything. Simply allow the birds to begin to trust that they won't be harmed by your hand. If you try and grab the birds, you'll break the trust you've established and will have more difficulty fully domesticating them. Hold your hand in the cage for a few minutes at a time, then remove it.

    • 4

      Repeat Steps 2 and 3 several times a day, for at least ten minutes at a time. Repetition is the key in training lovebirds and obtaining their trust. Once they've learned you're not a threat, gently touch the breast of each bird. Don't be aggressive or move quickly; simply stroke each lovebird with the back of your hand.

    • 5

      Hold out your index finger once your lovebirds are comfortable being stroked. Push your finger softly against each bird's feet to encourage it to step up. As you do this, say "step up" to train it to step onto your finger on command. This exercise will require persistence and patience; the lovebirds will require regular training to learn this. Never shout or harm the lovebirds if they're not cooperating; this will only frighten them.

    • 6

      Bring the lovebirds up to your shoulder after you've successfully trained them to sit on your finger. Let each bird sit there for a few minutes, then take it off. Place them back in the cage so they feel safe again. Do this regularly so that they learn that sitting on your shoulder poses no danger. If you do this often enough, when you put them on your finger, the birds will automatically run up your arm to sit on your shoulder.