Can you tame a lovebird?

Question

Can you tame lovebirds? If so, is it easier, harder, or the same as taming other birds, like parakeets? Do they make good pets in general or would I be better off getting a cockatiel?

Answer 1

Any bird can be tamed at any point in its life as long as you're consistent, patient, and determined. People are VERY wrong to believe that you can't tame an old bird, or a lovebird. The fact of the matter is that lovebirds have a spunkier attitude, whereas budgies (parakeets) and cockatiels are more laid back. Lovebirds, if you have an adult, will be territorial by nature, but that doesn't mean they're untameable.

Starting young may be a good start, but with many birds, once you hit sexual maturity (around 6 to 8 months), you really lose the baby bird that was so tame and docile. Hormones make all birds territorial to a degree, nippy, and cranky and their entire disposition changes. I have four lovebirds, and all are tame, cooperative, and extremely affectionate towards me. I received one tamed and tamed three of them when they were over a year old. I took in and am fostering a bird in my cousin's care who's over seven years old, but she's the tamest, sweetest bird with me and doesn't bite at all. This after six years of neglect, no interaction, experiencing her babies being taken away, and being the only remaining bird after the other four in the family died off.

In general, if you're looking towards ease in taming, cockatiels would be more convenient, but don't let the taming time deter you from anything. You should choose a bird that you enjoy the qualities of, one that will fit in well into your lifestyle, one that you will enjoy the company of, one that you can integrate into the family. Research in depth the bird species in question and see which suits your personality and lifestyle better.

Answer 2

Any bird can be tamed with the right amount of patience. I think that they're a bit harder to train that a cockatiel, but I've heard it's well worth it. If you do want a lovie, they make excellent pets, I suggest getting yourself a male as they are easier to tame and bond with. If you do decide to get a lovebird, don't buy two, and they will bond with each other making both of hem far more difficult to tame.

If you need help with training, I belong to a very excellent message board that has training groups for small, medium and large birds. www.xoparrots.com.

Answer 3

I actually had a great experience with a lovebird. He was found outside on a neighbors roof. Someone brought him to me...and after doing all the necessary stuff to find his owner.. no one ever claimed him. He was very friendly.. he could have been young.. I have no idea. He was just a great little guy.
If you have a pair of any bird it will be harder to tame them if they are already established. Every time Ive had a great bond with a bird it has always been a one bird relationship. I did have a button quail for 9 years. I got her when she was 2 days old and we created a great bond after the intital getting her to used to me. A few years later I was offered a male button quail from a local petstore because his mate had died. Of course he was happy to see her as soon as I brought him home.. but she always preferred me. Of course she would spend time with him because they lived together and he would dote on her and do all the ritual mating things.. but really she didnt want anything to do with him and just used him as a surrogate to me when i wasn't around.
Anyway if the lovebird is young.. and isn't in a pair you should have no problem taming them. They are great birds.

Answer 4

My sister had a pet shop years ago and I hand tamed many birds for people. Show them love and attention and they will do the same. My birds of preference are Parakeets and Cockatiels. Parakeets only poop a BB on your shoulder and it easy to shake off in the trash, if, they are healthy!

Answer 5

All pet birds will need to be tamed regardless of the type..except for handfed babies..they will be much easier. I'm exceptionality fond of lovebirds and conures..but the handfed is a must. Remember the larger the bird the harder they bite. And never use gloves, this will frighten them even more.

Answer 6

i have 6 very tame lovebirds, tame enough for my kids to handle. they have been easier than my 2 conures or my keets(which could care less about me) i like lovies, they are my favorite species of bird, i have no experience with tiels, sorry.

Answer 7

It is pretty much impossible to completely hand tame an old bird. I suggest clipping their wings if you do not already do so; it makes the process a bit easier also keep them in a page until it starts to behave.

Answer 8

Get a hand tame Tiel, Lovebirds are mean.