My cockatiels step up, but now what?

[Kakapos]

I have two male cockatiels.

I've had my cockatiels for maybe 4 months, they were a mess when they came to me. Sawyer the more relaxed of the two is very eager to step up, and will even stay on my finger hoping for more millet even if I take it away.

Scout will step up, but is very skeptical sometimes. I guess it depends on his mood.

My question is though... Now that I have Sawyer stepping up with no problem.. What do I do now?
I want them to feel comfortable coming out of their cage, there have been multiple times they fly out of the cage when I have it open... However they usually don't want to come out at all.

I've also been able to stroke his tummy a few times while hes standing on my hand, he usually will nibble my finger while I touch him (not bite, but like test it?)

Any advice? They are both 4 years old and have never had any interaction until I purchased them. The previous owner had them covered up a majority of the day... They were both living in a small budgie cage with barely any food (hartz at that...), one perch to stand on, no toys, and dirty living conditions. They are definitely coming out of their shell but I just want to do the right thing.

Should I leave the cage door open (supervised of course) and see what happens?

All advice is welcome.

 

[Kiwibird]

I don't see why not leave their cage door open and let them come out on their own terms It can take a while for previously neglected birds to start recovering from their traumas. You can try putting some interesting toys or treats on top of their cage/on their play stands to entice them out and make a positive association with being out.

On a side note, you may want to think about what time every day you can be available to supervise them out of their cages. For now, that may just mean leave the door open for that timeframe and plan on being in the room to keep an eye on them in case they decide to come explore. Even if it takes a few days or weeks even for them to decide they'd like to explore, if they have a set timeframe each day the cage door is open, that will be teaching them A. they can expect to be able to come out every day and B. at what time of day they can expect to come out. That will be helpful in the future when they become more adventurous and actually come out Getting birds on routines is very important, and it's never too early to start!

 

[Kakapos]

Thank you so much, I think i will start doing that!

I appreciate it. My boyfriend insists on grabbing them and forcing them... I can not do that though, I know that's wrong without trying it. I hate seeing birds upset or scared it breaks my heart :'(

thank you though, I will try and decide a schedule for when letting them out...