Is this normal behaviour for 2 lovebirds?

Question

Hello,

Yesterday i got two lovebirds. They were frightened and a bit jolty at first (as i suspected). Today they are a little better , but whenever i put my hand in to move a toy etc they flutter around like mad, terrified. I know this is probably normal but they haven't seemed to have drunken any water, because they haven't gone that far down yet, they have eaten some food but not the food in the flowmatic feeder near the water. Is this normal?? - Sorry - i am probably just being super cautious as i have never owned a bird before!!

Answer 1

Just give them time, and try to give them their space as they get used to things. How long have you had them? If you've only had them for a day or two, you probably shouldn't be messing with the cage layout just yet--it may not be "just perfect", but I'm sure they'll live, and it will just make it harder for them to adjust to their new surroundings if those surroundings keep changing. After all, they *are* still adjusting, and it will take them time to get used to everything, including the flowmatic. Give them time to adjust and they will eventually start to play around with it.

There's also a chance they are drinking water when you aren't around--if they're new birds and hand-shy they might also feel vulnerable trying to "forage" when you're around. Don't expect to see a dip in the water level right away; two cockatiels don't even cause much change in level in the time between refills.

Answer 2

Yeah It's all new for them, I'm sure they'll become less scared of you and eventually find their water.

Answer 3

It sounds like you have unsocialized lovebirds. They are "starting" because they are not used to humans interacting with them.   They will be scared at first because of the new situation but if it doesn't get better in a couple of days you need to slowly socialize them.  Put them in a place where you are so they are part of your "flock".  Talk to them and once they seem to listen to you and accept you try to put you hand just in the cage and don't do anything. Keep this up and eventually you will be able to hold them and bond with them. Its a process but its worth it!  

If you don't want to hold them just spend a bit of time with them everyday and your presence won't be such a shock to them.

If you are providing water and food they will go to it when they need it. Have you changed the water dispenser? Is it new?  New things and birds take a bit. They will drink when they are thirsty as long as the water is clean and fresh.

Good luck!  

Answer 4

First of all stop putting your hands in their cage this soon after getting them. Give them time to get used to being there with you for at least 3 weeks or more. Only replace their water and food and leave them alone until they feel safe there. The more you leave them alone the happier they will be right now.  

Answer 5

it good to be cautious but it is normal there just scared they will eventually eat from flowmatic feeder