Lovebirds can be affectionate pets, but it takes some work for them to bond with you. Whether your lovebird is a new pet or one you’ve had for years, you can help your lovebird to see you as a friend. By building trust and creating an optimal environment, you and your lovebird can cultivate a strong bond and friendship.

1 Give new birds time to adjust to their new home.

New pets may feel overwhelmed by the change in their environment that comes with moving into your house. Whether it’s a new space or a new cage, give your pet a week or two to get settled in your home before attempting to handle it.

• Don’t ignore your bird during this time. Speak calmly and lovingly to it and spend a few minutes near its cage several times throughout the day.

2 Spend at least 10 minutes a day with your lovebird.

Make some time every day to hang out with your lovebird. The more time you spend with your bird, the more it will see you as a friend. Especially if you’re often at work or school, it may take a new pet a while to feel as though it can trust you. Carve out 10 minutes every night to focus solely on your bird. Play together on the floor or simply talk.^[1]

• While you need to spend at least 10 minutes a day with your bird to bond with it, it’s best to spend longer amounts of time with your lovebird.
• Lovebirds are a bit like people in this regard. It’s hard to trust someone you don’t know. Spending time together allows your lovebird to become your friend.

3 Touch the lovebird slowly and gently.

Handle your lovebird gently and with care when you remove it from the cage or when it perches on your finger. If the bird does not want to be touched or held, do not force contact. Always treat your bird with respect, which will allow it space to get to know you. If you pick up the bird from the floor, do so with soft, cupped hands.^[2]

• Do not squeeze your bird or hold it tightly.

4 Hand-feed your lovebird to encourage it to interact with you.

 Use some of your lovebird’s food, a piece of fruit, or some millet seed to feed your lovebird from your hand. Because adult birds often feed their baby birds, this helps the bird to see you in a trusting, parental way. Building trust like this helps your bird feel more comfortable with you.^[3]

• If you’re not sure what type of food your lovebird enjoys, try different treats until you find one that your bird can’t resist.

5 Handle your bird often so it grows comfortable with you.

Once your bird is accustomed to being touched, take it out to play a few times a day. You can jingle a favorite toy or look in the mirror together. The more you handle your bird and spend time together, the more it will see you as a caring and trusted friend.^[4]

• Spend time playing and relaxing with your bird. For instance, you might spend 15-20 minutes playing games with your bird. Then, you might let your bird rest on your hand or lap while you watch TV.

6 Talk to your bird in a calm, soothing manner.

Don’t yell at your lovebird even if you feel frustrated. Speaking in calm, quiet tones reassures your bird and makes it feel safe. Using a soothing voice will help your lovebird feel more confident as it gets to know you.^[5]

• Talk to your bird often, as birds are sociable. When you adopt a pet bird, you become its flock.

7 Be patient because it takes time to build trust.

Bonding with your lovebird may take some time. Relationships don’t happen overnight, and it may take some time for your bird to learn to trust you. Go slow and try not to be discouraged as you get to know