All great advice! Thanks!!
Heater-- we won't use it again it was one we weren't using anymore anyway, so I used it to at least warm the living room. Just last night. Ive now put it away.
Biting -- prior to getting him, I sat with the entire family several times to go over our behavior with the bird. They r used to getting the occasional cat scratch or play bite but I warned that the beak can easily rip off limbs. I lectured on how raising any type of voice will only excite the bird. If they get bit, do not react, do not jerk away. So far, everyone has handled his bites well. He hasn't viciously bitten; merely warning chomps when he feels unsure, or to steady himself. And I give him bare skin, no sleeves so Ive already gotten used to his gaping mouth. He knows I won't necessarily back off. Im learning to read his body language. I was so happy when he kept leaning his face towards my arm at one point cuz he wanted to sit on my hand (as seen in the pic). It was sweet thanks for the reminder about sticking to just scratching his neck. I havent had a close look at his head pin feathers yet but i will watch to see when they can be gently groomed. Im not sure he is comfortable with us yet to let us do that.
Time out of cage -- we have built a big gym for the kitchen (the main hub of the house) plus a couple of perches for each floor. We will continue to build more with toys so every perch will be his playground no matter what room he is in. Today, his first day home, was a rather unfortunate day where a whirlwind of sucky events took place. He was out of the cage most of the day but had to be back in there from 3pm to 9pm while we had to be gone for a few hours. We took him out again and handfed him and playtime at the gym. He was sleepy but wasn't cranky. Today was just an unusual day but we plan on having him out of the cage majority of the day. My husband and I both work from home so Kass will rarely be alone.
Sleep -- he will get plenty of sleep. We opted not to cover the cage because we knew once we start, we have to always do it. He wasn't covered at the breeder's. The livingroom is already quiet and dark by 9 anyway. And we r late sleepers so he definitely got 12 hrs.
I am working on finding a balance for his daily routine so I will ask a lot of questions and I will make mistakes. That is why I am here. To learn from the collective. So thanks!!
