Individual out of cage time

[cml]

We have a problem I dont have any solutions for at the moment and that I would love to get your views and ideas on.

Our daily schedule for the parrots looks like this:

When we get home, they are out together for about an hour.
Then they are in their cages for a while, as I cook dinner and we eat.
After our dinner, its parrot time again =), and we either train with them, or take a shower or do something fun.

Ideally we would like them both to be able to participate in all activities, both together and individually, but of course that is wishful thinking. Showering for example, works great individually but not together ^^.

Here comes the problem, Leroy doesnt want to be out by himself. He's fine with trick training and showering but just hanging out in the living room with us isnt his idea of fun, so he starts calling for Stitch. It seems he doesnt know what to do when out alone, even if we give him all of our attention.
In his cage, he loves playing with toys, but as soon as he is out of the cage he seem to forget about them altogether. Usually when they are out together they only play with each other, or look out the window.

Stitch on the other hand, loves being out alone with us, and can play on the couch with hand held toys for hours on end. He also likes taking a nap on my knees if I am reading a book etc, generally just enjoying himself.

I want Leroy to enjoy those times as well, but Im not really sure on how to proceed. He knows its great to interact with us and loves training. He's also learned how to play with toys, but only likes this in his cage. When he is alone (and knows Stitch is in the other room), he seem to forget how to have fun ^^.

An idea we thought of was to get Leroy's quarantine cage out of the basement (its a big cage actually), and put loads of fun stuff and food inside it, so he can hang out there and learn how to be in the living room by himself. What do you guys think?

[cml]

We managed to have him out on his own today,on the tree I built , and he actually played a little with the toys. After about 15min though he had had enough. No calling for Stitch though, which is huge progress in itself. Funny it should happen the same day I wrote this post.

Edit:
Oh well, now it seems that he's pissed off. He doesnt want to train or even step up. Hopefully he'll sleep it off !

[terri]

I dont have any pionus experience.But its been interesting learning what different things that my 9 birds like and dislike.It would be alot easier if we could get them eventually all to the same level[like Stitch ]but sometimes its not like that.I think you have the right thought.By trying different things .You will have to try everything and see what he responds to..Leroy might only be able to tolerate 15 minutes at first.Hes used to being in a flock and Stitch is his flock.I would think its a build his confidence thing

[marie83]

Might sound obvious but have you tried showing him how to play with the toys and hidden treats on the tree a few times to encourage him to spend time there?

How come they can't go in the shower together? I understand it may be a bit cramped if you have a shower cubicle so I can only assume thats the issue. If not just put two perches at opposite ends with you in the middle, you can take the shower off the hook so you can direct the water to where it's needed.

[cml]

Might sound obvious but have you tried showing him how to play with the toys and hidden treats on the tree a few times to encourage him to spend time there?

How come they can't go in the shower together? I understand it may be a bit cramped if you have a shower cubicle so I can only assume thats the issue. If not just put two perches at opposite ends with you in the middle, you can take the shower off the hook so you can direct the water to where it's needed.

Yes we tried that , but thanks anyway. It went better yesterday than before so at least there's hope !

Space isnt an issue, we have a quite big bathroom with a tub but they cant shower together because they both consider it quality time, which they want all by themselvs ^^. We've tried showering them both at the same time, but its always ended up in a fight between them, with both parrots flying wild in the bathroom. Both of them really love showering with us though !

[marie83]

Thought you would have but still worth suggesting.

Sounds like it's just going to be time and patience. Ollie always used to seem lost when we weren't giving him attention so we had to teach him other stuff was fun. I reckon parrots are smart enough to realise when they are bored and will go create some mischief eventually if there is plenty to do. If not maybe he is just naturally a quiet bird and the thoughts in his head are enough to keep him entertained like some people are? who knows but I wouldn't worry unless it isn't normal for him.