Stitch outside =)! UPDATED with question

[cml]

We got a new carrier for Stitch, which is going to be just for going with us to the park or visits at friends. Its actually a hamster cage which I modified a little (made the opening a lot bigger and built a door from plexiglass.)

With that we took him outside for the first time since last year when we tried with a harness, and we had a blast =)! He was really good, he seemed to throughoughly enjoy it, listening to every sound and watching the movements of other birds. A couple of blackbirds in a tree nearby spooked him a little though ^^.

Here are some pictures from our trip .



and here's a pic of the carrier.


Btw, besides modifying the door to the carrier, Ive secured all sections together as well, making it neigh impossible for it to break, and its only for when we are out with him, he wont ever be unattended as to allow for cats or something else to get at him .

EDIT: see the third post here for a question!

[laducockatiel]

Nicely made carrier! He looks really happy outside

[cml]

Stitch really enjoyed that first trip outside, but since then he's refused to be anywhere near the carrier.

When we put him in, we didnt think much of it, he is used to going into his converted cat carrier and does so willingly. This carrier is better for being outside in, and is prepped with seeds (to make it an awesome place to be), as well as a water bowl.

However, in spite of that, and really enjoying the experience he doesnt want to be near the cage now, let alone be put in it. Other than actually grabbing him and putting him in I cant get him close to it, he ignores all targeting attemps in any close proximity of the cage.

Advice and suggestions would be very welcome =)!

[laducockatiel]

Stitch really enjoyed that first trip outside, but since then he's refused to be anywhere near the carrier.

When we put him in, we didnt think much of it, he is used to going into his converted cat carrier and does so willingly. This carrier is better for being outside in, and is prepped with seeds (to make it an awesome place to be), as well as a water bowl.

However, in spite of that, and really enjoying the experience he doesnt want to be near the cage now, let alone be put in it. Other than actually grabbing him and putting him in I cant get him close to it, he ignores all targeting attemps in any close proximity of the cage.

Advice and suggestions would be very welcome =)!

I reckon you should try and pet him while he is near the carrier and put loads of awesome things that he likes there (eg. Good toys) so that he associates the carrier with rewards. Always give him a reward for going in the carrier (from your hand) and give him a reward for coming out of the carrier (also with your hand) so he really enjoys the experience. Take it slowly so that the training is progressing rather than making him more unwilling to go in it,

Hope all goes well!

Regards,
Laducockatiel

[pennyandrocky]

penny did the same thing at first but i did the same as laducockatiel suggested now he flies right to it and gets in, if it's open when it's closed he bangs the bars til i open it.

[Bobioden]

Have you thought of adding a toy or two? It might make him feel a bit more comfortable.

[liz]

Put Leroy in and let Stitch watch him get to go outside.

[cml]

Thanks for all the replies, I will try all of the above! =)
Ill get back to you with how it goes.

[Shelby]

Michael has a few posts on his training blog about training his birds to willingly and happily go into their carrier and it seemed to work beautifully for him! I'm not sure what the posts are called, but a quick search should bring something up.

[laducockatiel]

Thanks for all the replies, I will try all of the above! =)
Ill get back to you with how it goes.

Any progress?