How to Make a Long-Tailed Parrot Fond of You

Long-tailed parrots (also known as Lovebirds) can be quite reserved creatures, but with a bit of practice, you can grow closer to them. In fact, if you dedicate enough time and create a comfortable environment, you can develop a strong bond with your parrot. Check out this guide to learn how to connect better with your pet.

Make them feel comfortable. The cage is a safe space for your parrot, but if you want them to feel part of the household, place their cage where family members usually gather. Ensure this is also a place where your parrot can rest when needed, as parrots require 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night.

• Cover the cage while your parrot sleeps. This obscures their view and encourages them to stay in one spot, preventing sudden noises from startling them while they rest.

Get closer to your parrot. When you notice that your parrot seems comfortable with its cage and the presence of humans, move closer gradually. Approach quietly to avoid scaring the bird.

• Speak softly as you approach the cage. Avoid sudden movements.
• Spend more time talking to it, as much as possible. Parrots understand when you acknowledge their presence. Being social animals, they will feel more at ease in their natural environment when they sense you around, so the more time you spend with them, the better.

Start placing your hand gently on or near the birdcage. If the parrot pulls away, don't rush to remove your hand. Instead, leave it in place and talk or read aloud to it. It's important to help the parrot get used to your hand and presence. Just make sure you don't startle it.

Approach from inside the cage. Once the parrot no longer avoids your hand, it's the right time to reach inside the cage. Place your hand in the cage for a period. This approach works best when you are offering food, such as millet seeds. The act of feeding helps build trust with your parrot.

• Over time, move your hand closer to the bird. If you're holding food, the parrot will likely begin to grab it from your hand.
• If your hand is holding food but placed just out of reach while the parrot is perched, it may hop onto your hand to access the food.

Let the parrot perch on your finger. After some time feeding the parrot from your hand, try encouraging it to perch on your finger, even without food. Gently present your finger near its belly, between its legs.

• The parrot may quickly hop off your finger, but continue trying gently. Just avoid overwhelming it. Parrots need time to adjust and move slowly. Be patient, and your parrot will eventually get comfortable and willingly perch on your finger.

Take the parrot out of the cage. The next step in training your parrot is to carefully take it out of the cage while it remains perched on your finger. It may jump off when it nears the door of the cage, as the parrot is accustomed to the safety of being inside. However, keep trying, just like when you trained it to eat from your hand or perch on your finger. Eventually, your parrot will trust you and will come out with you.

Talk to your parrot frequently. Whenever you pass by, stop for a few moments and speak to it. If you repeat certain phrases or sounds (such as whistling) while talking, it’s likely that the parrot will start mimicking them. Long-tailed parrots are known for their ability to talk, much like other pet birds.

• Conversing with your parrot helps build trust as it is seen as an act of affection towards them.

Gently stroke your parrot. Parrots enjoy preening one another, so your pet parrot will love it when you gently rub or stroke its feathers in different parts of its body. Try scratching its head, stroking its back, or gently rubbing its belly.

Always care for your parrot with tenderness. Parrots have small, sensitive bodies. Be gentle when interacting with them to earn their trust, as this is seen as a form of affection towards them.

• Avoid striking or engaging in rough behavior that could harm them.
• Never kiss your parrot’s beak or other parts of its body, as human saliva can be toxic to them, even in small amounts.

Feed them a variety of foods like meat. Parrots love being full, especially when they aren't bored with the same old meals. Offer them nuts, pellets, fruits, or vegetables.

• Start with pellets that are free from artificial coloring or sugar.
• Feed them individual types of nuts, not mixed together.
• Avoid feeding them foods like avocados, eggplants, onions, etc.

Provide plenty of toys for your parrot. Long-tailed parrots enjoy playing, so they'll be happiest with many toys. Let them experience the joy of being loved. Give them colorful toys such as balls, rings, swings, bells, etc.

Keep their cage clean. Parrots prefer a clean environment, just like humans. The difference is that they live near their droppings. Maintaining a clean cage is important to reduce exposure to dirt, keeping your parrot healthy and happy.

• Use perches that are suitable for long-tailed parrots. Perches shaped like natural tree branches will help your parrot fly and perch easily. You can also take your parrot out of the cage more conveniently.

• Avoid wearing gloves when handling long-tailed parrots. These birds are often frightened by gloves because their shape resembles a hand but in a larger size. This can cause the parrot to lose trust in you.