The First Few Weeks

When your lovebird first comes home, allow her some time to relax and get accustomed to a new home and surroundings. Gently place your bird into her cage. Avoid sudden movements and loud noises. Speak to her in a calm, even tone, and let the bird approach you. Then, slowly offer fruit or treats through the bars. When your lovebird gets used to eating from your hand, try taking it out of the cage with your finger or gloved hand. Talk quietly to your bird, and if it is not scared, gently stroke its back. Be very patient and do not rush anything. Do not handle your bird excessively.

During the first few weeks, you should have your bird examined by an avian vet or a bird expert. This will ensure that your bird is healthy. Monitor your bird for signs of infections or disease. Keep your new lovebird isolated from other pets and birds for at least two weeks.

You should keep the temperature of your house warm and stable, at about 27º. Avoid drafts and give your bird enough ventilation. For four days, you can feed your bird a stress formula diet, along with regular seeds, fruits and vegetables. Do not make abrupt dietary changes as this will upset her digestive tract.

If your lovebird exhibits extremely nervous behavior and is always flapping her wings, you may want to clip her wings so she doesn't get hurt. Avoid any household hazards and provide a night-light so your bird can eat and drink in the night.

Usually, a hand-fed lovebird will adapt more quickly and show a lot of interest in her surroundings. Give the bird time to relax, but later, you can gently stroke her, as hand-fed lovebirds love human interaction.

Young birds adapt to a change in location faster than adults. Newly imported birds are the most nervous. If you obtain several birds from same source and they were always kept together, you can keep them in same cage. If you introduce your newly purchased bird to an older lovebird, watch them and make sure that they get along. An older bird may severely peck a younger one.
 

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