• Be aware that what your parrot sees outside of the window can be interesting, stimulating, or terrifying! Last year I had a Cooper’s Hawk land just on the other side of this window to watch MY birds!
   

• Never leave your parrot on a play stand or gym unattended. Even the bird that “never comes down or flies off” will break that rule eventually and his safety lies with your good judgment.
   

• Try to make a place for your parrot to hang out in every room where you spend time. They benefit greatly from just being in your presence.
   

• Be observant to their becoming anxious or fidgety and try to take them back to the cage prior to their getting loud or agitated.
   

• Teaching him or her to “stay put” and entertain him or herself is an important lesson for any parrot to learn and it takes patience and consistency on your part. Allowing your parrot to climb down and come to you just once can create a problem.

An Outdoor Cage!

During nice weather it is really nice to have an outdoor cage for your parrot. Full exposure to sun is not their preference. Parrots are generally treetop dwellers and will migrate to the shade in most cases. Having some sun and mostly shade is ideal.  

There are risks to spending time outdoors. Be aware of predators. These include everything from fierce and bold Cooper’s and Sharp Shinned Hawks that can attack and eat your bird through the cage bars, to the tiny mosquito who is a carrier of the dreaded West Nile Virus.

So why take the chance? It’s up to you, but our parrots truly enjoy the beautiful outdoors as much as we do (or more). Their keen vision and ability to see a wider spectrum of color seems to make them savor the exhilarating adventure of being outside. The first thing you’ll notice is your bird staring up….to the distant plane or turkey vulture soaring almost out of your sight, but not his.

With proper care, you can reduce the chance of mishap. The construction of the cage should provide adequate cover and protection from hawks. The cage should be big enough so that your parrot can maneuver away from the edge if desired. Cool water and food crocks should be provided, of course, and a misting system can easily be installed and adds pure delight to summer afternoon! You need to be sure to bring your bird indoors before the mosquitoes come out. No dawn or dusk exposure!

Always transport your bird to the outside cage with great care. Either use a carrier, or hold on to their feet as you carry them out. Trimmed wings are a must to prevent accidental flights taking your parrot to the treetops! You might even drape a towel over them as you carry them to prevent escape. Again, your judgment must prevail. You must also be sure your bird cannot escape. I use a padlock on the cage door to prevent this…and theft.

So, is it worth it? With the right precautions, you bet it is! The more joy we can bring to our bird’s lives, the better!

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