How to retrieve my two parakeets into their cage

[djacob7]

We recently have been letting our parakeets out of their cage and they have a hard time getting back in. Most probably because of all the confusing cage wires.
I thought it would help to place some food near the entrance to the cage.
Has anyone had the same problem?

 

[budgie4]

Are you sure they don't know how to get in or are they just avoiding it? For the first few months after I got my budgies they refused to go inside. They would fly around, go on the top of the cage, climb around the sides, etc. Now after almost 2 years they have no problem because they have learned my schedule and pretty much go in on their own when the see me get ready to leave. The best solution for me was bribing them with a big millet sprig. You can try moving the treat to guide them inside too.

 

[djacob7]

Are you sure they don't know how to get in or are they just avoiding it? For the first few months after I got my budgies they refused to go inside. They would fly around, go on the top of the cage, climb around the sides, etc. Now after almost 2 years they have no problem because they have learned my schedule and pretty much go in on their own when the see me get ready to leave. The best solution for me was bribing them with a big millet sprig. You can try moving the treat to guide them inside too.

My external feeder is transparent plastic and while they're outside they try to eat by pecking on the plastic. They don't know what transparent stuff is as many birds slam on windows. So I know they're really hungry. As soon as one gets in it eats frantically.
As you've implied, I bribe them with some food located near the entrance, and eventually they get back in. I guess it takes some practice before they'll get the picture.