My CAG hates me now.....

[CRYROLFE]

Here is a photo of his cage.....you can see how the macaw is hangin' out on his porch. The top of this cage is also able to stay open w/ a perch. I do NOT leave this open....but maybe I should?

[Michael]

I don't think so. When the bird can choose to come in/out whenever, there is less reward in you taking it out. Instead, work on target training inside the cage so it learns to step up. Then when you have it out, make sure the out of cage experience is very rewarding. Thus the bird learns that stepping up in cage leads to good out of cage time. There's no other way, only by stepping up for you.

[marie83]

I agree with Michael to a point. I think getting the bird out initially is best if you get them out (you can practice taking your bird in and out to reinforce that) but I see no reason why he cannot hang out there once he is out. I like to give mine the freedom to go back in when they want to get water for example but they don't have food in the cage until I'm ready to put them in for the night.
This works for me because mine have no set routine for time out of their cages, some days they are only out a couple of hours and other times they are out all day.


Oh meant to say that I personally dont like the open tops, they can be an accident waiting to happen if they aren't secured properly. Over time the wood slits on the perches can alter as well allowing the bird to slide the perch.