Pet birds are social and active and can quickly become bored and depressed if they have nothing to explore. If you own an untamed bird, you may find it hard to let him fly around and stretch due to fear of losing him. This can be disturbing, as you cannot get an opportunity to bond with your bird outside and teach it new tricks. Fortunately, several strategies can be employed to get your bird out of the cage.
You can get your untamed bird out of the cage using the following tips:
1. Removing Threats
The presence of anything scary outside the cage can prevent a bird from coming out. The bird will feel vulnerable and won’t leave until it seems safe. Cats, other pets, and small children should always be kept from your bird.
2. Make The Room Appealing
Birds are curious and love to explore. They can be willing to come out if the environment is inviting. Removing disruptions such as loud noise, switching off a bright light, stopping fans, and closing doors and windows will make them feel safe to come out.
3. Build Trust With Your Bird
Talking to your bird can be encouraging. A soft voice can be reassuring, and the bird will be comfortable coming out.
4. Putting a Treat Outside the Cage
Using your bird’s favorite food, you can bait it out of the cage. You can hand-feed it or leave the treat outside to draw your bird’s attention.
5. Offering Positive Reinforcement
If your bird makes minor attempts to step outside, it should be rewarded for the achievement. Praising your bird and offering it treats will encourage it to come out.
6. Petting Your Bird
By petting your bird, you can show affection and enable the bird to get used to your touch. After building trust, you can try pulling it towards the door. However, if the bird is reluctant to come out, leave it alone and try another day.
7. Providing New Toys
As birds like to explore, providing them with new toys they have not played with will entice them to come out of the cage.
8. Placing Other Birds Outside
If you have other birds tamed and used to being outside, you can let them play near the cage. They will encourage your bird to come out as they play and interact comfortably outside.
9. Having Perches in the Room
Placing perches in the room will increase the bird’s confidence as it has somewhere to land.
Can You Let an Untamed Bird Out of the Cage?
Yes, you can let your untamed feathered friend out of his cage. Giving your bird cage free time is essential for exercise and socializing to prevent it from getting lonely and depressed.
However, ensure that the environment is welcoming and safe for your bird to avoid accidents and bad experiences while out.
Why Won’t My Birds Come Out of Their Cage?
The following are reasons why your bird won’t come out of its cage:
1. A Previous Traumatic Experience
Suppose the bird got involved in an accident or got scared by a pet while outside; he will develop a fear of going out. This is because he associates the outside with bad things.
2. Territorial Instincts
When birds share a cage, they refuse to come out since they protect their space.
3. The Bird Has an Injury
In case of an injury to the bird’s body, it won’t want to come outside due to the pain. If your bird is used to coming out and suddenly stops, you should examine it for any injuries.
4. Presence of Household Pets
Pet birds see other household pets as predators and will resolve to stay in their cages for safety. Cats prey on small birds, whereas dogs’ sniffing can threaten them; thus, they should be locked away.
5. Phobia
Sometimes you only interact with your bird when you change their water and provide food.
The bird will isolate itself if there is neglect or a lack of attention from the owner. It will feel safe in the cage.
How Do You Get a Bird Untamed Into a Cage?
The following hacks on how to get a bird back in its cage can be helpful:
1. Putting a Treat Inside the cage
You can lure your bird inside by placing millet spray or a pile of seeds in the cage. The bait should be placed far inside, and once the bird enters the cage, close the door gently.
2. Leaving Their Food Bowl Inside
Leaving food bowls inside the cage gives your bird the freedom to get into the cage when it gets hungry. You can close the door whenever the bird goes to eat.
3. Night Time Natural Instincts
Birds move to well-lit areas in case of sudden darkness. Using their instincts, place a light near the cage, then dim lights everywhere else. The bird will automatically get into the cage.
4. Utilize Target Training
If your bird is target trained, you can use the target stick to guide them in and out of the cage. The bird will go into the cage as it’s motivated by the fact that touching the target will earn him a treat.
Should I Force My Bird Out of the Cage?
Getting a scared bird out of its cage can be challenging, especially if it’s new.
When new, a bird can fear getting out of its cage. It will prefer to stay inside due to anxiety. The bird should be left to come out when it’s ready.
Forcing the bird out breaks the trust, frightens the bird, and makes the bird hate getting out as it associates the outside with bad things.
How To Get an Untamed co*ckatiel Back in Its Cage
You can get an untamed co*ckatiel into its cage by:
1. Place a night light on or near its cage to lure it inside.
2. Put the co*ckatiel’s favorite treat in the cage to draw it in.
3. Leave food bowls inside so the co*ckatiel can go inside and feed at any time.
4. Physically catch your bird using a towel and put it inside. However, the method should be used as a last resort if you are in a hurry.
Should I Leave My Bird Cage Open
A cage can be left open when you are around to allow your bird to move in and out when it so pleases.
A cage-free time helps the bird to:
1. Explore new sights and surroundings
2. Ward off loneliness
3. Be physically active and exercise.
4. Bond with you and interact with other birds.
5. Improve their flight skills by flying around.
If you are not present at home or during the night, the cage door should always remain closed for your bird’s safety, as it’s likely to:
1. Fly away and get lost, never to come back again.
2. Be involved in accidents by flying into windows or electric appliances like fans.
3. Get scared by predators or other pets within the house.
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