Spending time outside the cage to fly, socialize and bond with you is an important part of a parakeet's daily life. Plus, it's time for you to have fun together. You need to make sure it flies in a protected space, with no escape routes or potential dangers. Educating your budgie is essential, but so is closing doors and windows, removing any hazards (such as running fans or hanging cables) and making sure the area is safe.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting the Parrot Ready to Go Out
Step 1. Let it settle into the new home
Traveling is stressful for parakeets, so get them out as little as possible during their first week with you. Doing this too early could make him nervous, causing him to fly into dangerous objects.
Step 2. Cut off his wings while you are training him
You may decide to always leave the budgie free to fly, but before it is completely used to it, it would be better to cut off its wings. This will prevent him from flying away or injuring himself while you are teaching him how to behave outside the cage.
- Ask the shopkeeper if the parakeet's wings have already been clipped. If not, take him to an experienced vet. Even if you want to do it on your own, it will guide you step by step the first time.
- If possible, always take it to a professional to cut the remigrants. If done incorrectly, the budgie may no longer be able to fly. Another option may be to teach him to "come back" on command, just like a dog.
Step 3. Train the parakeet to stand on the hand
Start the workout by gently introducing your hand into the cage. When the animal has got used to it, gently push it onto your finger while it is on the perch. By practicing and praising him often, you will be able to get him to do this movement simply with a gesture and a voice command.
- It is helpful to have treats nearby while you train him, so that you associate him with an enjoyable experience.
- Training takes time, especially if you want to enter additional commands, such as "Up" and "Back". Be patient with your budgie.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the House
Step 1. Close all windows and doors
Before letting it out, check that they are closed and that there are no other points from which the parakeet can escape. Even those with clipped wings can glide long enough to escape, so make sure any opening to the outside is blocked.
- Do not rely on the presence of mosquito nets to prevent them from escaping. Also, these are often torn and could hurt him. However, close doors and windows.
- As the parrot may fly into mirrors and glass, cover them. Lower the curtains or close the blinds and place a sheet over the mirrors.
Step 2. Turn off fans, overly bright lights and appliances
Check the room where you want to fly the animal. Turn off any fans, lights that could burn it, appliances, such as a stove, oven, or washing machine, and anything else that could injure your parakeet while it flies or when it lands.
- Open pots on lit stoves, uncovered food, and any open flame are all sources of danger. Make sure you secure everything before releasing it.
- Also avoid using non-stick cookware, as they produce smoke that is toxic to birds.
Step 3. Protect him from other pets
A dog or cat could take the parrot for a game and accidentally injure it, so it is important that they are not present while it is free to fly. You can put larger animals in cages or keep them at a distance by closing the door to the room where the parakeet is present.
Make sure you also secure small animals, such as fish or hamsters, as, being a curious bird, it could get hurt trying to befriend them
Step 4. Hide potential hazards, such as wires or plants that it might chew on
Before letting him out, check the room and make sure there are no electrical wires or toxic plants, as they could harm the parakeet if he chews them. Move any plants to another area, unplug and remove cables, or cover them permanently with a special hard case.
The most common houseplants, which are toxic to parakeets, include: some types of ferns, jasmine, many types of lily, many types of grasses, oaks, poinsettias, poppies, tulips, honeysuckles, cacti, clovers and rhododendrons
Part 3 of 3: Getting the Parakeet out
Step 1. Set up a play area
In most pet shops there are real complete playgrounds, with perches of different sizes, toys, slides, swings and ladders, which allow you to leave the parrot in a safe area, where it can have fun and that you can check. Place it where the animal cannot drop its droppings into food or water and so that there is enough space to fly between objects.
- You could place the play area at the top of the aviary, if the size and shape of the aviary allow, so that the droppings fall on the paper covering on the bottom.
- Remember to always leave him food and water available even while he is out.
Step 2. Schedule your flight hours at times when you can track it
You should let it fly free for at least one hour a day. During this time you need to give him your full attention. Schedule outings when you're not busy and you can control him while he plays. Avoid distractions, such as cooking, doing housework, being on the computer or on the phone.
Many owners find it convenient to clean the cage while the parrot is out. While it is practical to do both at the same time, cleaning the aviary involves moving from room to room and requires attention that you should give the animal instead
Step 3. Help him get back to the cage
Some parakeets return between flights, while others need help finding their way home. If possible, have him sit on your finger and show him where the aviary is. If he refuses to go back, move slowly and dim the lights. These animals do not like to fly in low light conditions, so you can gently pick them up and put them back in the cage.
- Don't run after him or catch him aggressively. He may get scared or hurt. The best thing is to try to get it to land on your finger, or to have it land enough on the ground that you can gently grab it with both hands and place it in the cage.
- It doesn't have to be so dark that you can't see the parrot anymore. If you turn off the light abruptly, the animal could crash into a wall or obstacle and get hurt.
