Putting Leo back into his cage

[BeatriceC]

Leo doesn't really bite. He's given some warning nips and I pay attention to those and don't push him (and I'm learning to read his body language before he gets to the warning nip stage), but there's one time where he consistently bites and I don't have a choice but to keep doing what I'm doing. Leo bites (and sometimes hard) when he's going *back* into his cage. I know he wants to stay out, but I can't stay in the room he's in 24/7, so he does actually have to go back in there from time to time. I'm not sure what to do to to overcome this. Any thoughts?

For the record, I have him out about 4-6 hours per day. Additional, possibly relevant information: he seems to be bonding most strongly with my 14 year old and seems to have a gender bias towards males.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi, he obviously is having such a good time that he doesn't want to go back. Have you tried to wind down activities a short while before it's cage/bedtime?

Also with the help of another person you can use positive reinforcement to encourage and distract. Have the other person get him interested in a favourite treat but the other side of the cage so he has to go in to be able to get it. They get to know how it works quite quickly and this will make life much easier.

 

[cmmoor]

We have started having this same problem with our cockatiel. An expert suggested that we give him a favorite treat every time he is put in his cage.

 

[Scott]

What species of bird is Leo?

Giving the reward of a treat may not be sufficient for Leo to return willingly. Does he have a good assortment of toys? Getting him on a cycle of consistent cage-time may be helpful. One trick I use just prior to return is a nice little cuddle-session + a treat. Then I leave the room so they don't have the opportunity for maintaining eye contact.

 

[henpecked]

Don't feed him outside of the cage.

 

[henpecked]

Don't feed him outside of the cage. I also.play a little rougher than they want just before put them back into their cage, sort of happy to get away from you.