Rupert has only been with me since November 17 th. He was an “extra” the breeder was anxious to let go. Rupert was hand fed, but for the past few months he was left outside in a cage with little human interaction. The breeder said he bit her when she got him out to prepare for my visit so I was careful in how I handled him while transferring him from the transport cage to his new temporary cage when we got home. At least I hope it is a temporary cage because I hope he will bond with my other Lovebird and they will share the big cage, happily ever after.
Rupert has quite a personality. He is a proud little guy who is warming up to me more and more every day. We are taking it slow, but after only three days he was not afraid to come out of the cage. Because he bit the breeder, I taught him to step on a dowel to come out and to go back in the cage. He is quite a little ham too because he does not hesitate when it’s time to come out, but going back in is another story. He will run around a few times before making a decision to get back on the dowel. He is doing very well in such a short period of time. He is not shy at all. Once he is out he jumps on top of his cage, stands upright with chest out, flaps his wings and lets out a few sharp quick chirps. It is as if he is thanking me for letting him out. He will run fast to the edge of the cage, look at me, chirp some more then do a little exploring.
Rupert watches my other Lovebird, Tweety, and I believe he is copying some of her habits. He jumped on my shoulder for the first time, after only four days. He nibbled on my neck, my ear and chirped. When Tweety jumped on the top of her cage, Rupert followed.
