Loving his new aviary TOO much!

[Groot]

Just got Groots new aviary installed and he is loving it in so far as he wants to stay in it all day and will only come out of it when it starts to get dark...BUT.....he just sits there most of the time and dosnt seem as interested in any toys or chewing stuff as he was in his cage. Is this normal...or will he end up not wanting to come out at all? Hes my first bird and also first aviary , so I'm not sure what to expect. I thought I was doing the right thing as he would have way more space etc when I was out at work but I'm afraid now that there will be less time to hang out if he wont come out. I know the weather is very hot at the moment so wondering if its just that? Anyone any ideas?

 

[SailBoat]

Lots of possible directions here.

Whether your parrot sits in or on its cage, if he will 'step-up' normally, get him out of the cage and work (play) with him away from and out of sight of the cage. Cage dominance can be a problem, but can be over come. But commonly with a new cage, rarely is that a problem that begins just after the arrival of the new cage.

Let us know whether your parrot will step-up and move with you away from the cage.

High temperatures can slow everyone down. Lots of water, showers, etc... will help his comfort level.

 

[Groot]

Hi Sailboat, Groot used to step up but suddenly stopped and would only do it when he wanted to...ie..to get back into his cage quicker to get to his treats lol. He spent a lot of time out of his cage every day. He escaped overnight a few weeks ago and we've noticed a lot of things have changed with him since we got him back. So Im beginning to wonder was that some of the reason he dosnt want to come out of his cage so often? ? He still loves his head rubs and scratches etc but if he does step up on my arm as I walk with him he will fly off and just perch on a chair or something and then seems happy to head back to his cage or on top of it, whereas before we were following him around the house to see what he was up to lol. We have installed a misting unit into his aviary to help with the heat, although he is still a bit nervous of it yet as its only in 2 days. In answer to your question, no, he wont step up unless he has to but he will let me take him into a different room but then needs to be set down once there.

I'm beginning to think that when he escaped, although he was only missing 19 hours, it must have been a bit traumatic for him and that's why he seems a lot more wary, nervous etc. Its nearly like he blames me for leaving him lol

 

[SailBoat]

Yup, it's very possible that the 19 hours has screwed with him.

Consider a 're-start' - a back to basics like when he first came to live with you. After step-up, tour the home re-introducing him to everything and everyone - multiple time over multiple days. Place a chair next to his cage and read out-load to him, etc. etc... The goal is to reassure him that all is back to normal and he is safe again.

Time is on your side, enjoy your 'new' old friend.

 

[Groot]

Thank you so much for your advice. I'll take it back to basics from today. thanks again.