Outside time for my senegal

[Tiggr]

Hi Guys
i have a few questions about putting BumbleBea outside, we have the windows and doors open alot during the sunniest parts of the day, although i have a net over the living room window and the door closed when shes out but i kinda felt bad that all the other animals were lapping up the sunshine and she wasnt, i dont have the space for an outdoor aviary, which i guess would be an ideal solution but i did buy her another cage for out in the yard, its twice the size as her indoor one and she has a little waterfall and lots of things to do in it, she seems happy and content out there and i usually sit with her reading or playing with the dog or whatever, my question is, how long is it ok for her to be out there? Also is this actually a good thing for her? she has a few hrs out there when its nice out and is never in her indoor cage when im home (my husband and Bumblebea are still working out their issues so he dosnt let her out as much because he cant get her back in) would she be better having free flight time indoors rather than a few hrs outside? Do i need to make sure she has some shade or is direct sunlight ok? I realise i ramble lol, thx for reading

[Eurycerus]

I have heard numerous times that direct sun is great as long as you make sure they have a hiding place if it gets too hot. They need direct sun and it makes them happier and healthier! It can help with hormonal issues too.

I'm jealous of your outdoor cage!! Omg waterfall. I wish I could do that.

[Tiggr]

i have a friend who very much likes me to look after his son The cost is usually parrot related
The cage was dirt cheap compared to the one i have inside and the waterfall simple to make, the whole thing outside cost me about £60 and she seems happy enough, may have to put some kind of small tree or something behind it to give her some shade, many thx

[marie83]

I would love to see a picture if you have one, it sounds lovely. Your parrot is one lucky girl.

[AnniePani]

Yeah, pictures! A waterfall sounds so fun for them!! I can just imagine a birdie splashing around in a little waterfall. ^_^

[liz]

I thought about a water fall but really don't know what the insides are made of. I was afraid something inside would make the water harmful since they are only suppose to be for decorative use.

[Michael]

Outside time and sun are great. It is important to provide sun protection just as well though and let the bird choose to be in or out of it. However, if you're using an indoor cage outdoors, outside time must be supervised. Do not leave the bird outside in a cage unattended. Predators and other people could harm the bird. I have heard from people about leaving a bird outside in a cage unattended and coming to see that a stray cat tore the bird out and killed it. If you're outside to keep an eye on things, I think your option is safe.

Yet if you're outside to supervise anyway, then you can consider skipping the cage all together and using a harness.

The best combination is indoor freeflight and outdoor controlled time. That way the bird gets the best of both. The parrot gets the exercise and freedom of flight but also benefits from being outdoors.

[Tiggr]

i have rather a large dog that hangs in the garden so random ppl and stray cats arnt really a problem, BumbleBea and the dog get on really well, mostly because she feeds him through the cage bars lol, im not really sure how a flight harness works tbh but she had her wings clipped by the breeder and im not sure if they have fully grown back in yet, she does fly in the house but not overly well, how long will it take for her to be fully flighted? im assuming that a flight harness is not much use to her until she has full use of her wings? I really am a novice with birds in all fairness but im doing the best i can, we do trick training on a daily basis and so far she it target trained, shakes hands, lies down and we are currently working on turn around, i think we are getting there but if any one has help or advise to offer that would be great, id love to be as great a parrot owner as she is a parrot, she rocks my lil tiny world

[Polarn]

The harness is useful even if she is clipped tbh. That way your not bound to a cage wich means she can hang around on your shoulder or arm while your outside without the risk of her flying away. You could use it with a long line to allow flight. But another option is using it the same way you use a leach for a dog, simply to prevent it from running off.

About sunshine, they do need it I've noticed a difference, a positive one, in both coloration and mood by using full spectrum lighting inside, while this can never substitute the sun fully I think it is a healthy alternative to provide all year around. Well you might live somewhere it is snow and you barely see the sun during winters... A reminder though for everyone using birdie lamps inside to substitute sunlight, do not use them through glass or plastic screens (loose almost all effect) and remember they need to be changed about once a year couse they were out and shows less of a result if you measure the light even if it still is lighting up the room.

[Tiggr]

i will put pictures up as soon as im able, she isnt a fan of the camera tbh lol, the one that i have on my profile took me about 5 weeks to get