Cage time broken or unbroken?

[CowardMan]

Well after having looks around and deciding on a breeder it appears I'm going to be going with a Conure for a bird. I think after meeting a couple I'm just way too smitten by them.

I was just wondering, I had the idea that if I'm home the cage is open and they can come and go as they please. But I've seen from some that out of cage time should be broken up with a bit of time out the cage, then put back in for a while then back out again so they don't become bratty about going in the cage? Just wondered what others do and the general consensus on how to do in cage time and out of cage time

 

[TiredOldMan]

I try to reinforce to them that the cage isn't punishment and it's a "safe" space. They seem happiest out but will go to their cage if need be. I haven't had any problems associated with coming out or going back in. Maybe I'm just lucky

 

[CowardMan]

yeah that's kind of how I'd like things to be, I think I'm going to make a point that food is in the cage and maybe reinforce that with dropping a treat in the food bowl for a bit when putting them in the cage, that way they can associate it with joy of treats

 

[TiredOldMan]

yeah that's kind of how I'd like things to be, I think I'm going to make a point that food is in the cage and maybe reinforce that with dropping a treat in the food bowl for a bit when putting them in the cage, that way they can associate it with joy of treats

Excellent idea IMO

 

[rheashard2]

I agree. Cage should be a safe place. Being out is a treat and fun time. There will be times our avian friends have to stay in cage. There will be need to keep them out of way for their safety and your piece of mind.

 

[CowardMan]

yeah I feel like if I were to just put them away in the cage at random while being around it'll reinforce that the cage is where they go to not be around their flock

 

[texsize]

With multiple birds scheduled times are nessisary.

The Twins get out of cage time in the morning and evening otherwise they are in there cage.

Bingo my yellow nape it’s morning/ evening too but not necessarily at the same time as the Twins. But it’s also “on demand “ and he can be very demanding.

Bella my CAG is out of cage most of the time but not when The Twins are loose. I have seen them fly into each other and don’t want them to get hurt.

 

[M&M Ninja]

My bird loves target training, so I use the target stick to ask her to go back in. She loves it and knows she gets a small snack for her performance.

She comes out and goes in throughout the day. An hour here, five minutes there, sometimes during lunch, sometimes not, etc. I try not to use the cage as punishment, but if she is getting into mischief or if I'm not in the frame of mind to handle her shenanigans, she goes back in the cage (using the above target method).

 

[rheashard2]

As one bird family, my CAG is out randomly and different times. It depends on my schedule, mood and her shenanigans, and mood. She isn't trustworthy out. Ripping up boxes, shoe strings, trying to get into drawers are normal. There's FEW days she'll stay in play area or on cage. She knows 'come here, hand.' She'll come and get on hand to go back in cage. Sometimes she wants me to chase her. So she'll run away, walk towards me and repeat. She tends not to fly (never been clipped). The same commands are used to get her out of cage. Mischief and disassembly are her biggest traits, and my problem.

 

[M&M Ninja]

Mischief and disassembly are her biggest traits, and my problem.

Hahahaha, I'm totally stealing this line.