New Lovebird!

[Wingnut]

Hey everyone! For the longest time I have been searching for a bird. I’ve owned a cockatiel, and European Starling in the past. Today I stopped at the bird store with my girlfriend and fell in Love with a Lovebird. She cuddles up into you and seems to go nuts when she’s not cuddling. (She was hand fed)
I bought her....She has been in her new cage inside of her plush bed t hut all night. I know it’s been a very stressful day for her, but I haven’t seen her eat or drink anything. Most birds I’ve handled have been more outgoing and wanting to be with you instead of the cage. If anyone has any tips or advice for these little guys it would be great! I’m not used to this species.

 

[UlyBirb]

Congrats on your new lovie!

I wouldn’t worry too much. My first lovie was handtrained and didn’t come out for a week. My lovie that I brought home last Sunday is handtrained but wants nothing to do with me. So don’t worry. just give her time, leave the cage door open and let her come out on her own.

I know this is also a personal opinion, but I don’t think the fuzzy huts are the greatest thing. They encourage breeding behaviour and cage aggression which you don’t want.

 

[Wingnut]

Thank you for the quick reply! Here’s an image of her in my hands. The store owner also said the same thing about the plush teepee thing. I bought it because our home tends to be cooler than most and I know birds are sensitive to it. I may keep it in there until she’s cozy with her cage, then maybe just add a plush toy she can snuggle against?

 

[UlyBirb]

Beautiful little girl! :heart:

Even better is a ceramic heat lamp. I use one as a basking spot for my canary and he adores it. I'd stay away from plush altogether; even if the product is well made, the bird also runs a risk of getting caught in any loose strings. I've heard some horror stories. Don't want to risk anything. I would take it out ASAP.

 

[EllenD]

Congrats...BUT...

PLEASE GET RID OF THE "HAPPY HUT" TENT THING IMMEDIATELY!!!

Let me give you a website that will make this decision easier for you:
Happy Hut Warning

Please go to that link, as it represents only a small fraction of the tens-of-thousands of pet birds that have died from having a "Happy Hut" or "Snuggly Hut" or Teepee/Tent of death in their cages, baby or adult, doesn't matter, GET IT OUT OF YOUR NEW BIRD'S CAGE RIGHT NOW AND EITHER RETURN IT OR THROW IT OUT!!!

I don't want to see your new baby in the Bereavement forum...

 

[Owlet]

If you're worried about the birds getting cold get a fume / teflon free heater for the room the cage is in

 

[GaleriaGila]

Welcome!
I like your open-mindedness and curiosity.
I'm glad you and that gorgeous bird are here.

 

[Wingnut]

Thank you all for the replies. I read the link about the snuggly hut thingies! That is really freaky! The one I bought is like “felt” instead of threads, but I may take it out. She loves it so much as she just lays in it at night. She’s not chewing anything right now as I know of.
To be honest I have never had a bird like her. She freaks out when you put your hand in her cage, but nestles into your hand or any crevice she can fit in! She just lays almost comatose and presses as hard as possible to hide in something.

 

[Wingnut]

Is this...normal? She hates me around her yet seems to Love pushing as hard as possible into me or enclosed spaces.