Is it normal for a baby lovebird....?

Question

to bite your fingers?

I have a baby lovebird, it hatched on July 12, but it's still at the store because it's not old enough for me to bring home yet but I get to go in and play with it as much as I want. it's been hand-raised btw.

but today i noticed that it keeps pecking and lighty biting my fingers he also kinda flaps his wings when he does this, at first i thought it was because of my nail polish. but then i got worried that he's going to get a bad biting habit when he's older.

so is it going to be a bad habit? or is it because he's associateing my fingers with feeding time?

Answer 1

Babies like that will nibble on your figures to taste you and see if you are real. You sound lucky to have it to me {:O)  

Answer 2

Just gave my pair away.  No it's normal for them to do that when they want or need something.  Birds are pretty BASICALLY smart.  It's preferably tolerable instead of a lot of noise.  Check out his supplies, the right size food, fresh water every day, cuttlebone to keep bill worn down.  If the bills grow they can't close their mouth good enough to eat.  Need perchs. Light. Attention. You are smarter than the bird.  Take some time and assess his habitat.  

Answer 3

This is normal for babies and juveniles.  They are curious and explore with their beaks.  It could also be associating you as a parent, and think you will feed it.  Often times baby birds will peck and tap their parents beak to encourage feeding.

It is very good to research any bird as much as possible, they require a lot of attention especially if you're only getting just one. Birds are very social and you are literally taking place of a flock. Here are some good sites on Lovebirds, with all the "need to know" info (such as cage size [the bigger the better], 1/2 inch bar spacing on cage, proper food [they don't just eat seeds, but need fresh fruit and veggies daily] ect.) ...

http://www.lovebirds.co.nz/main/index.ph...

http://www.parrotparrot.com/lovebirds/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lovebird

http://www.avianweb.com/lovebirdpets.htm...

http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/lbfaq...

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/lo...

Also, it's a very good idea to join an online Lovebird group. They can be a great source for advice & info, and can really help you care for you bird properly! Here are some to choose from...

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/LB_Li...

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Budgi...

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ForTh...

Be sure NOT to buy your bird at a large chain pet store (ie. Petsmart or Petco). You can never be sure of the age or health, prices are always much higher, they are usually not well socialized, and Petsmart and Petco do not hand feed their birds. Your best choice is to find a local breeder or small "mom & pop" pet store and try to get a hand raised bird if possible (which it sounds like you must have done).

Good luck with your new little one!