When to let the bird out

[Aaron1994]

I just have a rather quick question that most novice bird owners may have on the mind. When can I let my bird out? I read somewhere that 3 weeks is the general rule of thumb for a bird to associate their cage as a safe haven. So that they will return to it when they are ready to go back inside, rather than having to net/grab your bird and return it back to its home when play time is over for the birdy. Any insights on this? I don't want him all cooped up in there forever! a bird must be able to have exercise time outside the cage too.

 

[cnyguy]

I can't say that I've ever heard of that "3-week rule" before. I imagine that many of us invited our parrots to come out of their cages a lot sooner than 3 weeks after their arrival. It's usually OK to allow your parrot to venture out once he or she shows signs of becoming familiar and comfortable with their surroundings-- often a matter of just a few days.

When you're ready to allow your parrot to come out, just leave the cage door open, and let the parrot decide when and if he/she wants to come out. Most parrots are happier when they can make such decisions themselves. It's a good idea to attach a hanging perch on the outside of the cage, just below the door, providing a safe and comfortable place for the parrot to stand when he/she does come out.

 

[terry52449]

I have never had a problem with Cameo coming out of her cage. I have to pad lock hr cage door and the food and water bowl doors because she will open them and escape when I need her to stay in heer cage. All I have to do is unlock the pad lock and she will open the latch herself in about 5 seconds.

 

[Lukask]

My GCC was comfortable with me right away. I let her out of her cage the first day I had her. She was good about stepping up so putting her back in her cage wasnt as issue. Plus, I think it made her happy to be out to fly around. I have had her since October and she hasnt had one day without coming out for a couple hours.

Every bird is different though. I was fortunate with mine being trusting right away. I would do what was said above. Open the door and let them come out themselves.

 

[BillsBirds]

I have always let my birds out on their own. I, too, just open cage doors, and they come & go as they please. They go from cage to cage, sampling each others food & toys. Getting them back home is my job 'cause mine spend a lot of time out and don't always want to go home.

 

[MySafeBirdStore]

Is this a new bird? If so, I would definitely take him out immediately but not keep him out too long. Maybe 15 minute intervals. How old is your bird?

 

[Mare Miller]

I have never had a problem with Cameo coming out of her cage. I have to pad lock hr cage door and the food and water bowl doors because she will open them and escape when I need her to stay in heer cage. All I have to do is unlock the pad lock and she will open the latch herself in about 5 seconds.

Amigo's cage has bars missing from it! His previous owner would come home to an escaped cockatoo, not only that,,,but he would jail break his buddy, an African Grey and they would be sitting on top of Amigo's cage together, thick as thieves!

 

[HalfInsane]

I have never had a problem with Cameo coming out of her cage. I have to pad lock hr cage door and the food and water bowl doors because she will open them and escape when I need her to stay in heer cage. All I have to do is unlock the pad lock and she will open the latch herself in about 5 seconds.

Amigo's cage has bars missing from it! His previous owner would come home to an escaped cockatoo, not only that,,,but he would jail break his buddy, an African Grey and they would be sitting on top of Amigo's cage together, thick as thieves!

Does Amigo have a fan club? I'd join

On topic, this "three week rule" is new to me. If you plan on getting a hand fed baby, they can be handled just about right away. Pixel only needed a day to herself. A rescue you need to play by ear.

 

[kc_y0]

If its a new bird, I would give 1 or 2 days in the cage, and too settle down, and then get the bird used to coming outside as well. Thats how I did it with my bird.

 

[funkmaster100]

i will be bringing my hand fed baby home in july . should i leave her in the cage a few days to settle or should she be good to come out since we'll be visiting her every 2 weeks until she comes home

 

[Mare Miller]

Hi Aaron1994, are you looking to let your finch out of his cage? That might be a different story from letting out a parrot...I personally don't have any knowledge for that scenario.

 

[Molcan2]

Hey guys hes not talking about a parrot, hes talking about a finch. Yes I would wait about three weeks or so. He has to get acclimated to his cage. He has to be able to associate it with his food/water and place to sleep etc. Have you tried getting him something to hid in at night to sleep (those little triangle things or some type of nesting basket)? Some like to hide at night, if he starts to get used to sleeping in something like that then you might have a higher chance of him returning to it at night. I would advise against netting, they can be injured so easily.

 

[aliray]

AAron I would wait at least three weeks to let your java rice finch out. You will also have to make sure their is nothing he can get hurt on such as runing ceiling fans or big glass windows. when it is time to let him out let him come out on his own by leaving the door open. Also watch for open doors. Also it would be a good idea to set up a perch outside the cage near the door when its open. Alison and sweetie pie

 

[KatherineI]

Personally, I'm not sure how I'd feel about a finch being loose in my home ever, but that's just me. Then again, I'm not a finch person :11:

i will be bringing my hand fed baby home in july . should i leave her in the cage a few days to settle or should she be good to come out since we'll be visiting her every 2 weeks until she comes home

Personally, I'd say play that one by ear. My Sugar comes home on Monday and I've been going and spending anywhere between 45 minutes to 3 hours with her, several times a week, over the last 5 weeks. I already know that I can reach in to her current cage and get her out, that she will also come out of her cage to me, that I can put her back, etc. The only difference for us will be that she will be in our home, in a new cage (to her) and seeing us every day. I plan on letting her dictate when she wants to come out and have play time and be handled for the first week or so, and then setting up a routine. Much like young children, parrots do seem to thrive on routine. Loki developed one and we aren't routine people!