Post by louie on Feb 2, 2015 23:02:43 GMT
Hello there folks, I am just needing a wee bit of advice! Wee bit probably a lot!
Pascal the budgie seemed to be settling in well, and I got him (for now) to learn to step up etc. He seemed very used to us and chatty, and I felt a bit sorry for him sitting/flying about the cage, and talking to us all the time..So I decided to take him out of the cage on Saturday...It was an error of judgement..I basically did it because I felt really sorry for him being cooped up, I did not expect him to take to full flight straight away and we are in a high ceiling tenement..think the ceiling is at least 14ft high or more, so he flew like an expert..did not bump into walls and perched himself up on top of the curtain rail, which is 12ft high..He seemed to have great fun though, my ladder was too short and he would not step up to my extended hand, probably my lack of sleep but he seemed to revel in bobbing his head toward me and showing off his wings..and general chirping sweetly...victory dance!
Things went on a bit, and of course I stayed up all night in the living room with him..he had a little travel about the room until midnight on and off, but too high for me to reach..I did not want to towel him and at that height it would have been dangerous for all concerned! I did nap off and on and at about 8.30am Sunday..I took charge really and kind of shooed him off the rail..he flew down on the bay windowsill (blinds closed) and looked at me while preening and chirping happily..so I gently cupped him..he wasn't too pleased and pecked me (was not sore surprisingly!) And my eldest daughter held the cage for me to put him back in...Not that it makes much difference..his poo was and is extremely healthy..he is eating..and is stepping on and off on command today..not with any pressing on his tummy..I am just saying step up pascal, and step down pascal, and good boy (assuming he is a boy lol) He is eating well and not seemingly affected by the outing! In fact he was trying to stay on my hand while I was in and out the cage for the food changes..I decided to use a spoon to get rid of the husks and replace the seed..rather than take the cover off of the bowl to do it from the outside as..the gap is big enough for escape
I would like to ask, should I just keep him in the cage for the time to keep on with the step up/step off..Should he be taught to respond to 'treats' first before letting him out again also? He doesn't seem fussed with Millet on my hand..should I try veggies..I will read into this with the google...seems better asking on this forum though..what tastes do budgies like really? I suppose they are all individual..I have a sprig of fresh coriander in the fridge..I could try that!
Thanks for any advice..I did read the guides on here..I suppose like any other pets/animals..there are individuals that don't fit the average..I thought it would be nice to share also, seeing as I am new to these forums..and I should probably stop feeling like a jailer and let Pascal out when he is ready to live in this environment...He will be getting a wider cage soon with a stand methinks..kids are saving up the pocket money also for this..not that his current cage is small of course!
Also does putting things on top of the cage help them to recognise where they have to return to?
That's me I am rambling as usual!
Pascal the budgie seemed to be settling in well, and I got him (for now) to learn to step up etc. He seemed very used to us and chatty, and I felt a bit sorry for him sitting/flying about the cage, and talking to us all the time..So I decided to take him out of the cage on Saturday...It was an error of judgement..I basically did it because I felt really sorry for him being cooped up, I did not expect him to take to full flight straight away and we are in a high ceiling tenement..think the ceiling is at least 14ft high or more, so he flew like an expert..did not bump into walls and perched himself up on top of the curtain rail, which is 12ft high..He seemed to have great fun though, my ladder was too short and he would not step up to my extended hand, probably my lack of sleep but he seemed to revel in bobbing his head toward me and showing off his wings..and general chirping sweetly...victory dance!
Things went on a bit, and of course I stayed up all night in the living room with him..he had a little travel about the room until midnight on and off, but too high for me to reach..I did not want to towel him and at that height it would have been dangerous for all concerned! I did nap off and on and at about 8.30am Sunday..I took charge really and kind of shooed him off the rail..he flew down on the bay windowsill (blinds closed) and looked at me while preening and chirping happily..so I gently cupped him..he wasn't too pleased and pecked me (was not sore surprisingly!) And my eldest daughter held the cage for me to put him back in...Not that it makes much difference..his poo was and is extremely healthy..he is eating..and is stepping on and off on command today..not with any pressing on his tummy..I am just saying step up pascal, and step down pascal, and good boy (assuming he is a boy lol) He is eating well and not seemingly affected by the outing! In fact he was trying to stay on my hand while I was in and out the cage for the food changes..I decided to use a spoon to get rid of the husks and replace the seed..rather than take the cover off of the bowl to do it from the outside as..the gap is big enough for escape
I would like to ask, should I just keep him in the cage for the time to keep on with the step up/step off..Should he be taught to respond to 'treats' first before letting him out again also? He doesn't seem fussed with Millet on my hand..should I try veggies..I will read into this with the google...seems better asking on this forum though..what tastes do budgies like really? I suppose they are all individual..I have a sprig of fresh coriander in the fridge..I could try that!
Thanks for any advice..I did read the guides on here..I suppose like any other pets/animals..there are individuals that don't fit the average..I thought it would be nice to share also, seeing as I am new to these forums..and I should probably stop feeling like a jailer and let Pascal out when he is ready to live in this environment...He will be getting a wider cage soon with a stand methinks..kids are saving up the pocket money also for this..not that his current cage is small of course!
Also does putting things on top of the cage help them to recognise where they have to return to?
That's me I am rambling as usual!