Thanks for the Welcome! Tips for rescued lovebird

[Suett1]

Hi! I love parrots! I have two male Congo African Greys who are back in the US, since we moved abroad. It is very difficult to import birds where we live, but I am trying to bring one here-very long process! Meanwhile, our two boys are living in a great place with many other birds and rescue owners who love them.

Back in January, my friend literally rescued a lovebird outside where we live from a cat, who is my little guy now, Paco. Having a little guy is new, haven't had a small bird since my cockatiel back in college. Not used to a bird who isn't yet tame and cage territorial. He doesn't like to come out, although I tried a tip from here by putting a perch on his open door and that is starting to work! When he is away from his cage and I can pick him up, he's not aggressive, lets me pet him a bit. He must have escaped from a breeder, since he really doesn't know how to play, but starting to tear shredding paper toys. Vet thought he was no more than a year old in January. Where we live in South America, only seed food is available, but fortunately, I got him to start on pellets from the US right away. He doesn't eat anything else-no veggies, fruit, grains, treats. Seems odd he won't try anything else. My CAGs love all kinds of food!

Is Paco a hybrid of a Fishers with a black checked? Or?

Looking for any tips on training or anything else. TIA!

 

[pebbles1553]

I have a peach face lovebird, and she was extremely picky! no fruit, veggies...nothing. Now she will eat some. This is how i got her to. I got a plate of freshly cut apples and put it in front of her. I slowly started to eat them, and then Pebbles got curious. She edged closer and closer. I acted selfish on purpose, saying " NO, it's mine, you can't have it." and slightly pulling the plate away. That made her want it even more. I pretended I wasn't looking, and let her sneak up on the apple I was eating. She took a bite! She has loved juicy fruits ever since!