Birdie76
Walking the driveway
- Joined
- 3/14/18
- Messages
- 197
I would chose a room with a door. That way he wouldn't be flying all over the house. Make sure to leave the cage door open and have food and millet in the cage. He'll most likely go back when he is hungry. I had a canary once that zipped out of his cage unexpectedly. He flew all around...Finally I just put the cage nearby with the door open and he went in on his own in less than 20 min.
Whether you want to try it is completely up to you. Did you see the breeder handle your bird before you got him? If the bird stepped up then I don't think it is fear of hands. Rather it is that everything is new and strange to him. Personally I think it best to start with hanging out around the cage and get him used to your voice and presence a little each day. Then you can progress from there. If he is used to your voice and presence Niffy will probably be less freaked out when he does come out. Most likely he will stay on his cage and explore a bit. Then after he's had a lil time out, slowly offer your finger to step up on. Remember to make it an option not a demand. You will have a better relationship with your feathered friend if he gets to make his choices instead of being forced. I wouldn't do it if you don't have a room you can use with a door at this point. This way if he doesn't go back in the cage as soon as you had hoped you can close the door to keep him safe. Make sure to check the room for any possible hazards first and if you leave the room with him out...be very careful going back in as he could be right by the door or underfoot. I'd also pick a day you don't have any plans, it might be an all day affair.
Do you know how good of a flyer he is? At 4.5 months and being born in captivity chances are he isn't an expert flyer by any means and would be easier to get back in the cage if you have to resort to helping him back to his "safe place" However, if the breeder allows the babies to learn to fly and gave opportunities he may be a better flyer than most at this age.
If you don't think you can successfully get the bird back in the cage without using means that could traumatize him needlessly...like going after him with a towel...then don't do it. I'm willing to do it because I have experience with birds and a ton of patience in dealing with them. And I've personally never had much difficulty getting them back into their cages. Except Sephor...he'd rather hang out with Mama all day and night...I have to be clever putting him back cause he will grab a bar with his beak and end up on the cage and try to go for my shoulder...
All my birds (except my wild flock), have been very young babies just weaned. They've always been clipped before I got them as well. I'm personally against clipping wings; however, it does make it a bit easier in the beginning to handle them. As well as easier to put back into their cage. The wings do grow back. If someone has no experience with birds this might be a one time option to consider.
With my wild flock I'd hang out nearby almost daily, play guitar and sing. When they'd come near I'd talk to them and offer some treats. They liked the music and of course the treats were a plus. In no time they were eating out of my hand and perching all over me. I had videos at one point, not sure where they are now. I was covered head to toe in pigeons, and by their choice. They would even search me out in town and follow my car! They also can in my van regularly to visit, always with the door open so they could leave any time. Something so awesome about wild feathered friends!
Wishing you and Niffy all the best!!~!
Whether you want to try it is completely up to you. Did you see the breeder handle your bird before you got him? If the bird stepped up then I don't think it is fear of hands. Rather it is that everything is new and strange to him. Personally I think it best to start with hanging out around the cage and get him used to your voice and presence a little each day. Then you can progress from there. If he is used to your voice and presence Niffy will probably be less freaked out when he does come out. Most likely he will stay on his cage and explore a bit. Then after he's had a lil time out, slowly offer your finger to step up on. Remember to make it an option not a demand. You will have a better relationship with your feathered friend if he gets to make his choices instead of being forced. I wouldn't do it if you don't have a room you can use with a door at this point. This way if he doesn't go back in the cage as soon as you had hoped you can close the door to keep him safe. Make sure to check the room for any possible hazards first and if you leave the room with him out...be very careful going back in as he could be right by the door or underfoot. I'd also pick a day you don't have any plans, it might be an all day affair.
Do you know how good of a flyer he is? At 4.5 months and being born in captivity chances are he isn't an expert flyer by any means and would be easier to get back in the cage if you have to resort to helping him back to his "safe place" However, if the breeder allows the babies to learn to fly and gave opportunities he may be a better flyer than most at this age.
If you don't think you can successfully get the bird back in the cage without using means that could traumatize him needlessly...like going after him with a towel...then don't do it. I'm willing to do it because I have experience with birds and a ton of patience in dealing with them. And I've personally never had much difficulty getting them back into their cages. Except Sephor...he'd rather hang out with Mama all day and night...I have to be clever putting him back cause he will grab a bar with his beak and end up on the cage and try to go for my shoulder...
All my birds (except my wild flock), have been very young babies just weaned. They've always been clipped before I got them as well. I'm personally against clipping wings; however, it does make it a bit easier in the beginning to handle them. As well as easier to put back into their cage. The wings do grow back. If someone has no experience with birds this might be a one time option to consider.
With my wild flock I'd hang out nearby almost daily, play guitar and sing. When they'd come near I'd talk to them and offer some treats. They liked the music and of course the treats were a plus. In no time they were eating out of my hand and perching all over me. I had videos at one point, not sure where they are now. I was covered head to toe in pigeons, and by their choice. They would even search me out in town and follow my car! They also can in my van regularly to visit, always with the door open so they could leave any time. Something so awesome about wild feathered friends!
Wishing you and Niffy all the best!!~!