Introduction to play stands?

[Heisenburd]

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Hey there guys! I'll start off by saying that I know my babies cage is WAY too small for him. He kind of just fell into my lap and I wasn't prepared as far as cage size goes.... I figured by the time he was fully fledged/flighted, and exploring, I would have purchased his much larger cage. Well, he's a bit bigger for his britches, it seems... and he wants to wean NOW and play NOW, and climb up the cage to the very top NOW. Lol. He's a very head strong baby... So, I've been making sure to have him out more often than in so he has room to stretch and flap and exercise. My question is... is he old enough to introduce him to the play top on his cage and or his mobile play stand? He's still very clumsy... but I figure the best way to learn is to experiment.

Tilly is going on ten weeks or so. Tail feathers are about half their length... and he's almost fully feathered. Just to give you guys an idea of size. In the mean time, I'm working on getting him a much larger cage. The one I have him in was our African Grey's cage before we moved her. I really only want him in it for sleeping and nap time.

Any suggestions would be great! Thanks.

-H

 

[JerseyWendy]

I personally would avoid putting him up high. He is only 10 weeks, and they are VERY clumsy at this age. Since his tail feathers aren't fully out yet, one fall can cause him to bleed quite easily if he cracks one of those feathers open.

Additionally, if he falls while his crop is full, it could do a LOT of damage.

Yes, he's exploring, flapping, "thinking" he's a big boy, but he isn't - yet.

Please don't rush it, he'll be all over the place soon enough.

 

[thekarens]

Excellent advice Wendy!

 

[MomtoPercy]

Oh my goodness, what a cutie patootie!!!! He is too precious!!

Yes, please follow Wendy's advice - we can't have that gorgeous little thing get hurt.

Why don't you create a 'baby play gym' for him at ground level? Almost something like a little obstacle course (very low of course). Give him safe things to clamber over and under at ground level so that if he falls, its more of a little 'bump' than a crash. I'm not sure of macaw baby sizes but I would make any of the obstacles higher than his belly to start. That way he can 'play at being a big boy' and expend some energy but there is no risk to him (of course you would supervise very closely).

 

[Heisenburd]

Thank you guys for the wonderful info and suggestions! I was worried about putting him up too high so I will hold off on that until his balance improves. My only issue now is keeping him from climbing the sides of his cage and getting stuck at the top and not knowing how to get down. Lol. He's a pain in the butt.

I love the idea of making him a baby play gym! Do you guys have any suggestions on things I can use to build this? Would PVC piping work? Or should I get wood... I wouldn't have the slightest clue where to begin. I have a mobile playstand that I may be able to modify... We'll see what I can come up with!