Dexter won't leave cage

[Wally]

Lately Dexter (my Jenday) has refused to come out of his cage. Before he'd step out now and then but now he won't at all. You can put your hand in to pet him and what not but as soon as you put your finger out for a step up he goes everywhere to avoid your hand and tries everything he can do to not step up and leave. Sometimes even yells and bites (Not hard though. Just enough to get his point through). Treats don't seem to work very well. I can get him to come close to the door with peanuts but as soon as I put my finger out he runs. Any ideas? It would be very appreciated.

 

[Spiritbird]

I suggest that you stop putting your hand or fingers in his cage when he is inside. You may end up and may already have a cage agressive bird. (me too) Leave the door to the cage open and your bird will eventually come out. Othwise ouch ouch!!

 

[Wally]

Thanks Spiritbird, but Hh doesn't really act a lot like a cage aggressive bird though. I've dealt with and have seen some cage aggressive birds and he's not showing the same behavior. He doesn't snap at hands/fingers that come to close or into the cage like I've seen others do. You can touch, pet, help him itch some spots, and put your hand anywhere in there and he doesn't mind but the second you put your finger in front of him for him to step up, he either just becomes a rock and doesn't move, or sometimes (but not as often) he tries everything to avoid your finger.

 

[Jodi]

Just a thought, is he acting "normal" otherwise? bathing and preening etc.. My gcc just got over being sick and one of things he was doing differently was, staying in his cage. No aggressiveness, he ate and drank the whole time but his weight dropped, and he was sleepy during the day (fluffed) ...and on that thought, if youre not already, it is a great idea to weigh your little one everyday. I've started weighing mine twice a day. Good luck

 

[Wally]

He has been acting a little not himself lately. I think he was sick about a week ago but now seems okay. He also seems to be at the end of a molting cycle so I guess the combo of those 2 have maybe been making him cage clingy. I've just been giving him time to see if he starts wanting to come out again. I guess we'll see. Thanks Jodi!
Any other input is appreciated

 

[Birdieboy]

He might also be trying to protect something in his cage. I had this problem before my bird lost his mind and forgot all my training I found out that he was protecting his favorte toy in the cage and wanted to make sure nobody else played with it while I was gone. Therefore he would not leave his cage until I scooped him up in a blanket and then took the toy out(by then I was thinking he was gaurding it). Sure enough after I put him back in the cage without the toy there he came in and out without a problem. Now he won't step up at all so I have to restart training.

 

[Wally]

That might be as well. I'll try to see if he's a little attached to one of his various toys. I spoil him so finding out which one could take a while. hahaha
Thanks!