Letting pet birds out of their cage can be beneficial for them, but there are some important factors to consider first. The main questions to ask are: is the room bird-proofed, does the bird have enough recall training, and is the bird fully flighted? Taking the proper precautions can allow for safe and enriching out-of-cage time.
The Benefits of Out-of-Cage Time
Allowing pet birds out-of-cage time offers many benefits for their well-being, including:
- Exercise – Flying and moving around the room allows birds to stretch their wings and get physical activity.
- Mental Stimulation – Exploring new spaces and interacting with their owners provides mental enrichment.
- Prevent Boredom – Being confined to a cage all day can cause stress and repetitive behaviors.
- Social Interaction – Time outside the cage facilitates bonding between birds and their human flock.
Overall, letting birds spend time out of the cage allows them to exhibit natural behaviors and prevents issues associated with lack of stimulation.
Bird-Proofing the Room
Before allowing a bird out, it’s essential to fully bird-proof the room they will be in. Potential hazards to remove include:
- Toxic houseplants
- Ceiling fans or open windows
- Hot surfaces like stoves or heaters
- Small gaps where birds could become trapped
- Electrical cords and house wires
- Household toxins like cleaners or air fresheners
Covering windows and restricting access to other rooms can help contain the bird’s area. Having some perches set up also gives them places to land. The room should be made as safe as possible so the bird can fully explore without risk of injury.
Recall Training
Birds allowed outside their cage need to have excellent recall ability to fly back on command. This can be taught using positive reinforcement training:
- Start training inside the cage
- Use a “recall” word like “come” and reward with a treat when they return
- Gradually increase distance and distractions
- End outdoor time when the bird returns promptly to the cage
Reliable recall helps ensure the bird will go back to the cage when it’s time to return. Fledglings or untrained birds should not be given free access outside the cage.
Flight Ability
Lastly, only fully flighted birds with unclipped wings should be allowed out-of-cage time. Birds with clipped wings are at greater risk of injury due to uncontrolled landings and reduced escape ability. Before releasing a bird, check that:
- None of the primary flight feathers are clipped
- The bird flies smoothly without issue
- The bird is not overweight or struggling to gain lift
Birds with temporary injuries or those still building flight skills should remain in the cage until their flight is strong. For safety, only confident, accomplished fliers should be granted free access.
Supervised Outings
When first allowing a bird out, it’s best to fully supervise their time outdoors. Watch for any signs of stress, injury or misbehavior. Trouble signs include:
- Flying erratically or crashing
- Panting, feather fluffing or trembling
- Refusing to return to the cage
- Aggressive behavior like lunging or screaming
End the outdoor session immediately if issues arise, and reassess whether more training or environmental adjustments are needed before trying again.
Establishing a Routine
With preparation, many pet birds can safely spend time outside their enclosures each day. Here are some tips for establishing a routine:
- Start with short 10-15 minute supervised sessions
- Gradually increase outing duration as the bird adjusts
- Have set times for cage-free time to build a schedule
- Reinforce recall training during each session
- Watch for signs of fatigue and return bird to cage for rest
Having designated out-of-cage times allows the bird to look forward to the opportunity daily.
Potential Downsides
While beneficial overall, there are some potential downsides of allowing birds out-of-cage access:
- Increased mess from scattered food, feathers and droppings
- Damage to household items from chewing or knocking things over
- Noise complaints from vocalizations
- Greater need to bird-proof the home
- Added time commitment for supervision and training
Owners will need to weigh the pros and cons and put in extra preparation and cleaning time if deciding to give their birds cage-free access.
Conclusion
Letting pet birds spend time outside of their cage enhances welfare, but should only be done with proper training and proofing. Ensure the bird has solid recall skills, fully flighted wings, and a safe environment. Start with short supervised sessions, troubleshoot any issues, and gradually build up duration. While it takes commitment from owners, allowing appropriate pet birds cage-free time provides physical and mental benefits. Discuss goals and concerns with an avian vet to determine the best plan for an individual bird. With cautious introduction, many companion parrots can spread their wings safely inside the home.