upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

My two peach faced lovebirds have been with me for 4 months now. They are beginning to be friendly. When let out of the cage they will sit in my lap and shred paper but fly whenever I move a hand. Any suggestions on getting them to sit on my hand?

Also, I have read that love birds should not be given sunflower seed. Why not? Mine seem to enjoy the few that are mixed in their seed.

I have no idea what sex they are, but lately, one bird has begun pulling feathers from the other and nipping at the other bird's feet. Any suggestions for stopping this behavior? It doesn't happen every day, but the larger bird can certainly be a bully!

Congratulations on your 2 lovebirds!

Many birds are hand shy and sometimes you just have to accept that fact. Your shoulder or forearm might be a completely different story but those hands just are not acceptable! You may have to train them to step up onto a perch instead of your hand/finger.

Being native to Africa, lovebirds need a higher fat content in their diets than, say, Amazon parrots. This is true of all birds native to Africa. My lovebirds have sunflower in their seed mix and I actually have one Lutino Peachie male who is age 17 and would rather die than eat a pellet!! Fresh veggies are another story but add the sunflower seed and hold the pellets for him!!!