While handfeeding is an excellent way to raise a tame, loveable pet, it is only the beginning of socializing a lovebird. Most breeders of these species know that handling the lovebird between feeding, especially when they near fledgling age (six weeks), is an essential part of socializing an essentially wild creature. The more a young lovebird is handled. Pet, and spoken to during the formative months, the more sociable and flexible it will be. In fact, this type of consistent socialization needs to be maintained for the first six months of the lovebird's life. Lovebirds not handled on a daily basis early on will often revert to their wild nature, although this tendency can vary dramatically from bird to bird. I have found that lovebirds' personalities are as distinct from one bird to next as are personalities among people. Some lovebirds are brave, some shy; some lovebirds are bold, some tentative. Picking a lovebird whose personality suits you is best. If a very playful, active lovebird would strain your patience, choose a ore laid-back, cuddy bird.

The method of handfeeding can also impact the personality and socialization of the lovebird. Some breeders power feed their lovebirds, which is a fast plunge of the syringe to fill them up quickly, then put them back into brooder with little or no interaction. These lovebirds can revert quickly to their wild nature. The more a lovebird is handled during the formative weeks and months of its life, the more tame it will remain. Knowing when the lovebird was weaned is also important. While lovebirds do fledge in the wild at around six weeks of age, parents continue to supplement their diet by feeding them directly on occasion. They do not simply kick their babies out of the nest at six weeks and send them off on their own. Most parrot species continue to feed their young for a period of time after they have fledged. In fact, some of the larger cockatoo species supplement their babies' diets for four or five months. Handfed lovebirds should be allowed to wean on their own schedule. This can vary from 7 to 11 weeks. Lovebirds that are abundance weaned in this manner tend to be more secure and have a good time period in which to learn to eat a variety of foods while still getting the comforting and nutritious supplements of warm formula. There is no need to create anxiety in a young lovebird by forcing it to meet its nutritional needs on some predetermined date.

Lovebirds are extremely curious and intelligent creatures. They are also flock creatures. Their inherent need is to be part of a group. When you become flock, consistent handling and socialization of your lovebird will reinforce positive interaction. Many people believe you should not handle the lovebird for the first few days in the new home to give the lovebird a chance to adjust to the new environment. Just the opposite is true. Handling your lovebird for short periods off and on during the first few days will it adjust to you and its new home. However, you must do this in a quiet room where not much activity is occurring, as the lovebird will be very nervous when first settling into its new home. Move slowly, talk in a calming voice, and make sure no one is going to run into the room suddenly during these initial periods when you handle your new pet.