In-cage time vs out

[Dutch]

Since she has only been home 3 days, it is fortunate for Breeze I am home during the day studying to be a Pharm Tech. My first question is how much in-cage time vs out is recommended during the day? I have only seen things like "minimum 3 hours out per day". She has toys in her cage and it is very comfy/roomy for her. Seems like the only "toy" she likes tho is a toilet-paper roll she has on her play stand (gets replaced almost daily so far). So question #2 is, will she eventually start playing with her toys more?

 

BTW my T-stand building project is done - in addition to her manzinita playstand, she now has dowell T's in the dining room, both bathrooms, and one I made from a lemon tree branch on the patio

 

-Dutch

[Debandbella]

Mine vary, i have no set routine with my job, sometimes they are out all day and on rare occasions they dont get out all all. Providing the cage is a big size and there is plenty to occupy them it shouldnt be a problem. My two get lost in their cage its so big so i dont feel guilty on the days they do have to stay in.

[raleej337]

I don't know if I'm really doing it right, since I am home all the the time my fid stays outside. Sometimes I do put him inside the cage for no reason at all, just to let him get used to be inside his cage during the day time. If we're going out he stays inside the cage. Both inside and playtop have toys, food and water. My fid is clipped but he knows how to get down from his cage and sometimes would wander going upstairs using the stairs or will stay in the kitchen looking for crumbs my daughter dropped.<br><br>Post edited by: raleej337, at: 2009/11/06 01:07

[katana600]

Since she is new to your home and has likely been in a cage a long time, it is tempting to let her be free as much as possible. If you are studying with a goal of working, it would be good to consider how that change would affect her if she gets used to being out all the time. I like mine out of the cage as much as possible, but also to go in willingly when I am doing something where I might not supervise vigilantly. Each bird is individual about playing with toys etc. She may benefit from you playing and showing her what to do. Does she have a bell? They usually like something to make a noise and since her grip isn't so good, foot toys might make her lose balance. There are some really good hard plastic maze games and foraging toys to put treats into that might coax her to investigate.

[JillyBeanz]

I agree with Dee - it is lovely that they are out all of the time and "roaming around" but the time will come when they do need to be in the cage (even if you go shopping or out for dinner).

 

We work full time, so Harvey is in his cage Monday to Friday - as soon as we come home he is out and causing mayhem! At the weekend he gets a lie in and then that's it, mostly out. He goes in his cage no problem and there's plenty for him to do.

 

You will get your routine with your baby - it's early days, and you are learning each other's habits and routines.

[she]

It is great to have them out as much as you can but be sure that She spends some time in her cage during the day so she does not get too much of a shock when she needs to be caged.Show her how to play with toys and give a veriety of all types of toys to see what she likes best.

[Guest jamalbirdbiz]

mine are never confined to there cages accept for nighttime. when we run errands n go lowriding we do the harnesss thing with mandatory shouldering whille in side stores. someXs molly divebombz smalll children and strange longhaired guys that try touching her. when at home they are normally in there birdroom with there cages open. tehy have around three hours of freflying around the house everyday. i keeep a webcam in teh birdroom to make sure no roughhousing goes on :evil: the worst thing ive found them doing so far is mollly plucking marvin grey and when i catch that nonsense marvin grey gets to ware his tuxedo. he likez waring it anyway so itz not big deal. :silly:

[judygram]

Jamal, I don't recall seeing any pictures of your birds, why don't you share some with us, we would love to see them.

[rbpittman]

Dutch, I'm a student as well and I plan on going back to work one day - hopefully a long way off - but, it will mean that my grey's will be in their cages more often than they currently are. I try to establish a set time for them to be out - like definitely in the evening when I would normally be home after getting off work (if I worked). I make sure they are out for at least an hour in the morning before I head out to do chores and running around, etc. This gives them the idea of routine if it's not set and they know that in cage time is as important as out of cage time. All of my fids cages are huge so they have plenty of room and plenty of perches and playstands throughout the house like you have as well. I do make sure they are in their cages at 3:00 in the afternoon - something I call nap time - so when my son and husband come home from work everyone is out and enjoying all of the family.