Hey thanks for taking in the lovie
So my question for you is, do you mind having him out of his cage all day? I keep both mine out for most of the day and I make sure to keep their cage door open. That's where all their food & water is so if they want to eat they'll go in their cage themselves. I always catch mine going in & out of their cage throughout the day.
Also, does he step up on your finger or lets you handle him in anyway? I ask because throughout the day I'll pick my lovies up and take them to their cage, but I won't force them in. I'll just place them in front of the door and let them decide if they want to go in or not.
However, there are times when I have to leave all of sudden and I need the boys in their cage. If they don't wanna go back in, then I do have to spend time to catch them. I also used to be scared that if i chased them like this and forced them into their cage that they'd grow to hate me BUT my lovies really don't mind.
Make sure that you don't squish his chest because they don't have ribs like people so they're very frail in that area. Try to hold him by his sides. Also if you're having trouble catching him, throw a blanket or towel to cover them. That makes it a lot easier to get a hold of them.
They'll definitely be upset at first when they're in their cage, but later on they come around and they're fine. I think most bird owners go through this sort of thing.
I have their cage in my bedroom at the moment so when I don't want to cage them what I'll do is I'll leave them out of their cage & keep their cage door open and just close the door to my room. Make sure you don't leave anything dangerous for them out in the open bc they're very curious & troublemakers!
Ideally you'd want to spend a lot of time with your lovie so you grow a bond with each other. That way it'll be easier for you & the bird to do things together and to get him in his cage easier.
