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Raising
a Tame Lovebird (Part 2)
(Socialization
Part 1)
(Setting
Guidelines and Rules Part 2)
Setting Guidelines and Rules:
Teaching your lovebird rules to live by is important for the owner
and pet. The first rule, and most common complaint next to
screaming, is lovebird biting. Lovebird biting is a learned
behavior that the bird has picked up to alter a situation to his
benefit. Biting can be reinforced just after weaning if careful
attention and proper techniques are not used from day one. When
lovebirds go through a “teething” stage, they often nibble with
their beaks. Some owners don’t know that this stage is a testing
time, much like the “terrible twos” in children, and the bird is
starting to learn what is acceptable and what is not.
Many owners find this nibbling cute, but what they
don’t understand is that it can lead to frequent biting. During
this state, the lovebird should be forbidden to nibble on ears,
fingers, or any other human part. Not allowing this will stop any
mixed messages and the bird will learn biting is not acceptable.
So how do you let your bird know that biting is not
acceptable? Simply move your hand back and ignore the biting. Do
not ever flick, shake, or hit the bird. You should also never yell
at your bird or spray him with water. These forms of punishment are
abusive and considered negative reinforcement. It will make your
bird fear you, and more likely to try and bite and scream at you.
The goal is to teach your bird to behave so you both can enjoy each
other’s company. You can tell the bird “No” a million times and
he’ll still never fully understand the meaning. If you yell for
every reaction, then you are continually strengthening the bird’s
bad behavior, whether it be biting or screaming. From the
lovebird’s perspective, you are giving him a “drama reward.” This
means that biting/screaming is only being done to get you to show
attention or to react to them. Remember, the lovebird cannot
understand us and we need to show him that bad behavior will not get
a response.
Distraction is a great tool to help detour lovebirds
from biting. In the event that your lovebird is starting to bite or
nibble take a pen and allow him to play with it; do this while you
are still holding him so it will distract him from biting you but
still let you have interaction with the bird. Our expressions and
reactions are rewards for the birds. If they are doing something
you enjoy or love, reinforce it with a happy and excited voice.
This lets the bird know that this behavior is acceptable and is
something you like, ensuring that he will continue to do it to gain
your affection. Only give a positive reaction for things you want
and never for negative behavior.
Again, like the topic of socialization, setting
guidelines need to be practiced from day one.
Here are major rules that need to be implemented when
you bring home your new lovebird.
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Always make the lovebird step up when asked. If
the lovebird chooses not to, try to distract him and ask him again
until the task has been completed.
-
Do not yell at your lovebird if he is doing
something wrong—distract him using a toy.
-
Never let your lovebird climb on your shoulder
unless you place him there.
-
Have a play pen the lovebird can spend time on. If
the lovebird wonders off, place him back continually if needed.
This is for his safety so he does not wonder into danger where
someone may step on him or where he can get into toxic foods or
chemicals.
-
Never just open the cage door and let the lovebird
come out himself. This promotes territorial behavior. If the
lovebird wants to come out, you are the one that should take him
out. Reach in and have him step up on your finger.
-
Keep the wings clipped. This makes the lovebird
more dependent on you. This is for the bird’s safety as well.
-
Ignore all screaming. Looking at your bird can
reinforce this bad habit, but keep in mind screaming can’t be
eradicated completely.
We have covered some basic rules and socialization
tips to help you get a good start with your lovebird. Remember to
always look at solving the problem through the eyes of the bird.
How the bird perceives things is extremely different then how we do.
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