Getting a peach-faced lovebird!

...for my mom! She is usually alone at home and is super talkative to begin with. She has owned birds years ago and is great with pets. We've had quite a few over the years. She, and I, have done our research and went to check out some birds yesterday. If anyone is somewhat local and wants a phenominal place for birds of all species go to Parrots & Company in Stamford. They hand raise all their birds from lovebird-sized up. Originally we were aiming towards budgies. However they do not hand raise their budgies and I don't know any local breeders. After a very helpful worker guided her through a couple options, as well as handing them, she fell in love with the lovebirds. After she made up her mind he actually pulled out his own that he has personally been raising and it was amazing.

We reserved a baby, don't remember the age and sex. I will get that when I go tomorrow. We can't pick it up for a week or so due to its age. They are raising it in their private nursery. He also told us to come visit it to handle it and possible feed it to help get it acquainted with people. This week the wife and I are going to buy her all her supplies. We were thinking of just getting the cage from PetCo/Smart cause it's cheaper, then a few toys, and but the food from the breeder. Any recommendations for specific toys, setups, foods, etc? I was thinking something around 24x24x24-ish for the cage. I read wider/longer is better than tall. Also getting mixed reviews on mirrors. Are they good or bad for them? I was just thinking a ladder, swing, something with a rope and bell, and something cozy to hide/crawl/sleep in, but not too much at once. I was thinking about 3 different perches of various sizes and textures as well.

Other questions: (knowing every pet is an individual)
*they come across as "louder" online. is this mainly cause of their more high pitched squeeking?
*everyone says their bites can hurt. I can't imagine a beak that small hurting that much. I would assume this is resolved through training and handling?
*talking is not super important, however I would like it to say a few things to my mom. how hard is it to train to speak a few things?

 

Looking forward to seeing your new pet. Sounds very sweet.

 

Great to hear that your getting a lovebird. I have two male Fischer's Lovebird. For toy go for toy that can be destroyed ropes, wood toys etc. For food go for a high quality pellets if there colorful there not good. They should be a single color usually brown, feed fruits and veggies. For cage size you could go smaller 24by24by24 is the recommend size for cockatiels or get pair of lovebirds.

I use mirror in my cages but I have more then one bird in the cage, some birds get obsessed with there reflection. I would get the cozy thing, when the bird get bigger I will think its a nest and make get into wanting to breed. Naturally in wild the sleep on branches not hide in cozy things. Thumps up for the 3 branches of different sizes, that will prevent problems in the future with his feets.

Mine don't squeak they chatter it's like they having a conversation it sounds cool and funny. There not that loud. There bites do hurt there beak is bigger than normal for there size bigger than a cockatiels. You say he is hand raised so he should bite. They do talk but it's hard to train them, but with time and effort you can. Btw if you don't want him to get hurt trim his wings. There fast flyers if they hit the wall R.I.P.

 

well we've been handling it for over a week now, almost daily, and I think the wife and I will most likely end up getting one as well. We'll see when they get more babies. They are so darn cute. I would like it to get more feathers though. We have not seen him in the past 4 days so hopefully he's progressing. He's somewhere around 7 weeks now. The little guy is getting very comfortable with people. He loves to rest on your chest or shoulders and will let you pet him anywhere. Apparently I am a poop magnet though. He never did it on the wife!

The store is called Parrots & Company if you want to check out their website. Very reputable and price is decent too. I never knew the actual birds could be so expensive though! We are planning on just getting all our supplies from them and supporting the local mom&pops too. They also make their own food.

 

well we've been handling it for over a week now, almost daily, and I think the wife and I will most likely end up getting one as well. We'll see when they get more babies. They are so darn cute. I would like it to get more feathers though. We have not seen him in the past 4 days so hopefully he's progressing. He's somewhere around 7 weeks now. The little guy is getting very comfortable with people. He loves to rest on your chest or shoulders and will let you pet him anywhere. Apparently I am a poop magnet though. He never did it on the wife!

The store is called Parrots & Company if you want to check out their website. Very reputable and price is decent too. I never knew the actual birds could be so expensive though! We are planning on just getting all our supplies from them and supporting the local mom&pops too. They also make their own food.

How much did you pay? If you don't mind me asking. He is seven week old he should be fullied covered in feathers.

 

He pretty much has most of them just not a "bushy" as a fully grown bird yet. I will see it tomorrow and give an update.

 

He pretty much has most of them just not a "bushy" as a fully grown bird yet. I will see it tomorrow and give an update.

Take pic of him. By 7 week most birds are fully feather like adults. I raised parakeets, cockatiels, conures and all buy 7 weeks are all fully feathered and sometimes all ready weaned. They say the smaller the bird the faster it grows and gets weaned. And I have notice is true parakeets grow really fast and the conures are little slower and bigger the parrot get the slower they grow/wean.

 

whoops, I never updated this, sorry. Also forgot my camera. The bird was a little over $100 from what I remember (I didn't pay). It was the other birds that were insanely pricey, like the macaws and rare cockatoos. My mom's lovebird is doing great though. Just getting used to the new scene and new people. Apparently doesn't remember us. It's a struggle to grab him without him flying away and him chirping at us. We were told to just keep doing this every once in awhile so he gets used to people handling him in his new home.

The real update is that we are now planning on getting one! I have some more questions though:

*what fruit and veggies/greens do you give them?
*what are some good ways to teach them to step up, prevent biting, enjoy handling, and other necessary stuff?
*any other advice not mentioned above?

We are curious how the bird and our rabbit are going to interact.

 

Apples, pears, peaches, bananas, berries, kiwi, pomegranate, grapes, raisins just make sure to get rid of all the seeds.

dark green, orange, or yellow (high in vitamin A) such as: carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, broccoli, legumes, frozen mixed vegetables, kale, greens (not lettuce), greenpeppers, zucchinI and other squash, asparagus, ripe tomatoes, dried hot peppers, sprouts-bean or alfalfa, spinach, and brussels sprouts. Bean sprouts are an excellent food clean really well everything.

To teach him how step up, you got trim there wings(they do it at some petstores). If he is young baby he should naturally want step up when you put finger in front of him. Every time he gets close to your finger say "step up"(only once). Once he is on praise be like "good bird" or give him a treat.

 

Handling them daily when they are still weaning is really important. It makes the difference between a bird that is all over you and one that just tolerates you.

We've got a few birds, including a peach face lovebird, and he's by far the friendliest. They all have their quirks, but he literally paces his cage when someone comes in the room and all he wants to do is hang out.

 

Thanks guys! Getting excited

 

Why don't you get cockatiel there much more playful and friendly?

 

I had a couple breeding pairs growing up, the boys were sweeties. I don't like mirrors for single birds, they can become obsessed which can lead to agression. Cuttlebone is good. Mine were climbers. Perches of different sizes, materials, its good for their feet. Toys is different for every bird. Get an assortment and go from there. Each bird likes different things. Some like bells, some hate them, and some love to hate them lol. Just think of the kid method, if they can swallow any part don't get it. I do recommend at least one cement perch, helps with nail trimming or you will have to it manually which can stress the bird which is bad.

Biting, this one can be rough. If you flinch or pull away it reinforces that it works and makes you leave them alone. Your gonna have to stay put and "take the pinch". That way they see it doesn't work and won't do it as much. Ive got scars from a very mean girl we got at a bird show. She was older and set on protecting her territory. She got past it though. Ended up compromising, id let her come out of the cage before trying to pick her up. Cage cleaning sucked lol.

If you have any problems you can message me

 

Biting, this one can be rough. If you flinch or pull away it reinforces that it works and makes you leave them alone. Your gonna have to stay put and "take the pinch". That way they see it doesn't work and won't do it as much. Ive got scars from a very mean girl we got at a bird show. She was older and set on protecting her territory. She got past it though. Ended up compromising, id let her come out of the cage before trying to pick her up. Cage cleaning sucked lol.

If you have any problems you can message me

It's true if you pull your hand away they will know it your weakness. The bad thing is not pulling your hand away when have conure. That can crack almond with his beak.

 

Lol, ive had a lot of animals over the years the worst bite was from a horse. She caught my shoulder and literally picked me up off the ground. That sucked lol.

 

Lol, ive had a lot of animals over the years the worst bite was from a horse. She caught my shoulder and literally picked me up off the ground. That sucked lol.

Wow, that's why alway cautious when hand feeding a horse or donkey.lol

 

No I was in our smallest pasture bringing them to the barn for the night, and was going to get Smokey, and Reba decided she was hungry and wanted to come out first. She got testy when she was pregnant. Like chase you out of the pasture testy. I miss that mare.

 

No I was in our smallest pasture bringing them to the barn for the night, and was going to get Smokey, and Reba decided she was hungry and wanted to come out first. She got testy when she was pregnant. Like chase you out of the pasture testy. I miss that mare.

I meant me who is cautious not you sorry for the confusion.

 

Lol its ok it taught me that she was always the first to come out for dinner lol

 

oh man. my father is a farrier and I've gotten kicked by a couple horses but never bit! Both would hurt though.

As far as cockatiels go, I don't know. We just seem set on the lovebird. I orginally was thinking budgie but they don't raise them, hence no handfeeding or handling at all. How loud can they be? They are also bigger. Plus one of the guys that runs the place has all the lovebirds breed from his own group. They are his favorite small bird so he takes care of them well.

What would you say the biggest differences are?

 

oh man. my father is a farrier and I've gotten kicked by a couple horses but never bit! Both would hurt though.

As far as cockatiels go, I don't know. We just seem set on the lovebird. I orginally was thinking budgie but they don't raise them, hence no handfeeding or handling at all. How loud can they be? They are also bigger. Plus one of the guys that runs the place has all the lovebirds breed from his own group. They are his favorite small bird so he takes care of them well.

What would you say the biggest differences are?

A handfeed cockatiel can be so loveing. The difference is the size, males whistle(some learn to whistle songs and tunes) and can learn to talk if you give a lot time in training. I have raised handfeed cockatiel and conures. And I don't trim there wings but they become such great pets that they alway want be next to you. If you put somewhere they will fly back to you. Also you don't have to trim a cockatiel wings unless there's a lot dangerous things around the house ex. Mirrors, when they become use to your house they are pros at flying around house and knowing where can stop to take break.

 

Size is a big difference, lovebirds are stockier and their beaks are stronger. They eat different food.. Both can be loving and attached to their owners. Same side both can get territorial over their cage and get mean if they aren't interacted with enough. By interacted I mean taken OUT of their cage DAILY. Start slacking off and they can get to the point that outside the cage is scary and won't come out. They need love and attention

 

the bird will get a decent amount of time out in the morning and evenings. The store trims their nails and clips their wings before you take them home. What should I be looking for when picking out a bird?

They also had these red belly parrots. Not that I'm looking to get one, but the guy mentioned they stay small for parrots and are pretty quiet. They are also gorgeous. Anyone know anything about these guys?

 

Is like picking out puppy you want the one who is most alert, perfect condition(beak, feathers ,eye ,nostrils,etc), outgoing and friendly. I never heard of that parrot.

 

You guys have any suggestions for names? The wife and I are having a hard time agreeing on something. My vote is for Pip (short for Pippen). We get him next week.

 

You guys have any suggestions for names? The wife and I are having a hard time agreeing on something. My vote is for Pip (short for Pippen). We get him next week.

I like pip

 

pics are coming! how do I entice him to eat fruit and veggies? trial & error?

 

pics are coming! how do I entice him to eat fruit and veggies? trial & error?

Birds learn by mimic in you. Whenever I'm eating something and I have my conure out he will come up to my plate and grab some or try to steal from me like from my mouth lol. Or just leave in little dish in bottom of his cage his natural instinct in going to kick after a while and he will try to eat it.

 

Heeeeeere's Pip!





The new baby in the house. It's only been a week but he's soooo well behaved. I get him more in the morning and my wife at night so we share the bond pretty well. He always want to be with us but doesn't spaz out when we put him in his cage. He already steps up and is not afraid when we put our hands in his cage. I think he kind of knows his name. He will come to us and love to sit on our shoulders. I will literally just keep him there and talk to him while I make breakfast or get ready in the morning and he stays. We have a little cozy hut that he ONLY gets at night. He goes right in when he's tired and comes right out to me in the morning. I don't think we could have asked for a better bird.

The only potential issues I have are when should he start eating different foods? I've tried all different sizes of apples, strawberries, leafy greens, cucumber, corn, peas, etc and he may at best, touch them with his tongue and nothing more. I am trying that mimicing thing with the food but nothing yet. Other than that, he eats his seed/pellet mix, his millet, and drinks his water. The only other issue I'm trying to correct is that if he's more behind my head and thinks I don't see him, he will start playing with my necklace. I tell him "no" and he stops, but will go back once in awhile. This is really the only time he gets a timeout for a few minutes in his cage. We also don't keep him out too long. We know he needs to like his cage too. Which I think he does. He's exploring and jumping from perch to perch and kinda playing with some toys as we speak.

What are your thoughts on them bathing?

 

Heeeeeere's Pip!

View attachment 139768View attachment 139769

The new baby in the house. It's only been a week but he's soooo well behaved. I get him more in the morning and my wife at night so we share the bond pretty well. He always want to be with us but doesn't spaz out when we put him in his cage. He already steps up and is not afraid when we put our hands in his cage. I think he kind of knows his name. He will come to us and love to sit on our shoulders. I will literally just keep him there and talk to him while I make breakfast or get ready in the morning and he stays. We have a little cozy hut that he ONLY gets at night. He goes right in when he's tired and comes right out to me in the morning. I don't think we could have asked for a better bird.

The only potential issues I have are when should he start eating different foods? I've tried all different sizes of apples, strawberries, leafy greens, cucumber, corn, peas, etc and he may at best, touch them with his tongue and nothing more. I am trying that mimicing thing with the food but nothing yet. Other than that, he eats his seed/pellet mix, his millet, and drinks his water. The only other issue I'm trying to correct is that if he's more behind my head and thinks I don't see him, he will start playing with my necklace. I tell him "no" and he stops, but will go back once in awhile. This is really the only time he gets a timeout for a few minutes in his cage. We also don't keep him out too long. We know he needs to like his cage too. Which I think he does. He's exploring and jumping from perch to perch and kinda playing with some toys as we speak.

What are your thoughts on them bathing?

MJDutI He is one handsome fello. There some birds that just won't eat other things besides there food. Like my cockatiels the only thing they like eating is Romanian lettuce. Just keep offering different foods se what he likes. Have you tried seed sprouts? Lol, all birds are attracted to necklaces,watche, earrings even glasses. Is just that they are so curious they have to check everything out with there beak. About bathing. What type of water bowl do you have? I used the stainless steel ones which work for both drinking water and them bathing when they fell like it. Sometimes if the bird trustes you he will take a bath outside of his cage in little bowl in front of you. I find it hilarious when sunny my conure does it, one second he is drinking water in bowl I'm holding in front of him. The next he is diving in bowl splashing water all over the place.

 

Pip says thank you, as he's cleaning himself on my shoulder. He is such a runt too. Is there something I can put in his cage for a toy that is shiny and harmless? I keep trying to get him to ring his bell, which is the closest thing.

I know they will explore and try things out with their beak so I'm trying to be lenient with all he does with his beak. I'm assuming you will be able to tell the difference between curiousity and a bite? He is mostly gentle, nothing too hard or painful at all. You don't think his beak is strong enough to break my necklace do you?

Right now we only have one small water bowl. Would you suggest trying a larger one to see if he is even interested? What size would be best for a lovebird?

 

Pip says thank you, as he's cleaning himself on my shoulder. He is such a runt too. Is there something I can put in his cage for a toy that is shiny and harmless? I keep trying to get him to ring his bell, which is the closest thing.

I know they will explore and try things out with their beak so I'm trying to be lenient with all he does with his beak. I'm assuming you will be able to tell the difference between curiousity and a bite? He is mostly gentle, nothing too hard or painful at all. You don't think his beak is strong enough to break my necklace do you?

Right now we only have one small water bowl. Would you suggest trying a larger one to see if he is even interested? What size would be best for a lovebird?

He is welcome. How big is your bell?
What about a toy like this


Wood for chewing and small shiny bell. Lol this toy is kinda old so look beat up.
How big is your chain? If it's skinny he could break it if he tries. The cups I use for food and water are this I will say the 20 ounce one will work.

 

we don't think he's very interested in bathing, at least yet. The necklace thing is a hit or miss depending on his mood. I don't know what I did or said to him when we were playing the other day but I somehow got him super excited and he was going nuts. He also has his little, or Long, moments of having complete conversations with himself. There has to be well over 10 different sounds and combos that he does. I wish I knew what they meant. This can go on for 2 minutes to 20 minutes. I try to have him mimic some easy words like "hello" and "thank you" during these times. Good idea?

I know some birds can also be potty trained. How difficult would that be for a lovebird?

 

Yea you can try to teach him to talk. Even that's is rare for them to learn to talk. Not saying is impossible. I don't potty trains so I can't help but read this https://www.mit.edu/~rei/birds-potty.html

 

the potty training may take awhile. If he hasn't gone in awhile we are going over to his cage and putting him on his top perch and telling him to do it there. It worked twice....out of about 20 times, but maybe he'll get it eventually.

And of all the food we've tried with no success (outside of pellets and seed), he somehow decided to taste one of our Tostito chips the other day. The wife was eating them (not with guac) and he just decided to come over and try it. I was a little nervous at first, but after looking at the ingredients it's just corn and vegetable oil, with salt. He's a strange little one. We're also trying a fruit & veggie dry mix. We'll see.

 

I'm trying to get a video of our conversations but as soon as the camera comes out he gets camera shy.

 

I'm trying to get a video of our conversations but as soon as the camera comes out he gets camera shy.

Put the camera where he won't see it and record.

 

I'll have to wait for the wife to get back. I've tried a couple different ways with him, but he seems to just know when I have it on.

I forgot if I asked this before but can you really tell the difference between a bite and tough play? He's still doing a ton with his beak, which I know is normal, but at times it's almost a little too much. I can handle it but I'm sure other people would feel uncomfortable or possibly scared. I tell him to go gentle or do kisses and he's usually good. Would he only bite if he was scared or angry?

 

I'll have to wait for the wife to get back. I've tried a couple different ways with him, but he seems to just know when I have it on.

I forgot if I asked this before but can you really tell the difference between a bite and tough play? He's still doing a ton with his beak, which I know is normal, but at times it's almost a little too much. I can handle it but I'm sure other people would feel uncomfortable or possibly scared. I tell him to go gentle or do kisses and he's usually good. Would he only bite if he was scared or angry?

Usually when lovebird actually wants to do damage he will bite and not let go. But he is baby and like a puppy he goes biting phase. He will get over it when he is older. I have same issue with my young conure he loves biting my ear,lips and finger when he is with me. But the way he does it he is playing but it hurts. What I do is grab his beak and I can actually lift him by it lol. (Wouldn't try doing it with a lovebird he might get mad)

 

lol, don't worry. I will not be trying that. I do want to get him used to being on his back so I can pet his stomach...and eventually try to teach him to lay dead. I just can't wait to figure out his verbal and body language. When I think he's doing something the same, he changes it up. I especially can't figure out when he wants to poop.

Random question: how old are they when All their normal beak coloring grows in?

Oh, and on a side note, he is eating more millet and the dry veggie/fruit mix!