In addition to giving your budgies a balanced diet, these birds also need plenty of exercises to stay healthy. The best form of exercise for these birds is free flying.
But should you let budgies out of their cage then, and if yes, how often? You should definitely let your pet birds leave their cage at least every day and roam freely in a secure room. According to most experts, you can let your budgies fly around for at least 2 hours a day. This will help protect your birds from obesity issues, minimize boredom, and strengthen your bond.
But what happens if your parakeets refuse to go out of their cage? In this article, you will discover all you need to know about letting budgies out of their cage.
Should You Let Budgies Out Of Their Cage? How Often?
Yes. You should let your budgies out of their cage every day for about 2 to 3 hours. Or at least 15 to 30 minutes for about three times a day under strict supervision.
However, there is no harm in allowing your pet birds to wander around for hours on end. This is provided you can give your budgies dedicated attention throughout.
But why should you let your parakeets out of their cage? There are several reasons, including:
Natural behavior
Flying is part of any budgies’ natural routine. Therefore, you should not deprive them of this. After all, they cannot fly freely inside their cage.
Prevent obesity
Besides poor diet, your birds’ staying in their cage all day long can lead to overweight issues. Eventually, they may suffer from cardiovascular diseases.
Reduce boredom
Budgies are social animals and could quickly get bored or suffer depression due to a lack of stimulation or exercise. Allowing your pet birds to explore outside of their cage helps keep them stimulated.
Enhance your relationship
Spending quality time with your pet birds outside the cage can help strengthen your relationship. This is because you have to actively engage your budgies.
Know their surroundings
Letting your parakeets out during the day can help them know better about the surroundings. Consequently, this makes them more comfortable being left alone in their cage and interacting with other people.
Things To Do Before Letting Budgies Out Of Their Cage
Sure, you must let your pet budgies out of their cage. However, before doing so, several safety precautions must be taken into account. These include:
1. Take away other pets
Before letting your pet birds out of their cage, ensure no pets like cats and dogs are in the room. They could scare or injure your budgies, making them never want to leave the aviary again.
2. Bird proof the room
Bird proofing the room your budgies will be flying around freely involves closing all doors and windows. This way, your birds don’t have any escape routes. You should also shut down the curtains, so the birds don’t crash in the windows.
3. Switch off all electronics
You must unplug electronic devices in the room. Also, you should switch off all portable or ceiling fans and stoves to protect your budgie from being injured.
4. Put away poisonous plants and products
If any houseplants are in the room, whether poisonous or not, put them away. You must also secure away other toxic products and foods.
5. Secure all fragile items
Your budgies may want to perch on anything they find in the room. So, you must put all fragile items out of their reach.
Also read: Can Budgies Talk?
How Do I Make My Budgie Want To Get Out Of The Cage?
Unfortunately, not every budgie will willingly leave its cage when you open the door. So, below are tips on how to make your pet bird want to leave the birdcage.
Petting the bird
Instead of pulling your pet bird out of the cage, do some petting for a few minutes. You can also talk to your budgie gently. This will make the birds trust you more.
Offer some treats
Additionally, you can put your bird’s favorite treats by the cage door to coerce it out of the cage. And once out of the aviary, offer your budgie another treat.
Set up a playground
Another way to convince your budgie to leave the cage is to set up a bird play station next to its cage. Make sure the playground has various toys and perches.
Can I Let Out Untamed Budgies Out Of Their Cage?
Yes, you can, although a section of avian experts recommend you wait until your pet birds are tamed. However, if you’ve got a large enough secure room, you can let your budgies fly around several times a day.
Even so, when letting out an untamed budgie out of the cage, you should first have its wings clipped. Clipping the wings reduces the chances of your parakeets escaping. This is because your birds cannot fly high enough with clipped wings.
How To Get Budgie Back In Its Cage?
Once you have let out your budgies, how do you lure the birds back to their cage if they are not willing? Well, one thing you could do is put your bird’s favorite treat inside the aviary while it is watching you.
You can also turn off the lights in the room. Then, place a night light inside or close to the cage. Due to the darkness, your bird will think it’s time to sleep. Alternatively, you can get rid of all food sources in the room but fill your budgie’s bowl with its food. This will make your bird grow hungry, forcing it to return to the cage.
Related: How Often Do Budgies Poop?
FAQs
Interested in learning more about letting out budgies out of their cage? Check out these commonly asked questions.
The best time is when there is nothing in the room that could possibly harm or terrify your pet bird. This includes unruly children, cats, dogs, the fan, poisonous plants, and products. The doors, windows, and curtains should also be closed.
Your budgie may be reluctant to get out of the cage due to the change in environment and fear. But once your pet bird gets comfortable in your home and starts trusting you, it may begin enjoying flying out.
If your pet bird does not get enough stimulation, it may refuse to return to the cage. This happens when you don’t let your budgie stay outside the coop and explore for adequate time.
Outro
Allowing your tamed or untamed budgies to roam freely outside the cage is essential for their health. Besides killing boredom, it helps prevent depression and overweight issues.
However, before letting your birds leave their cage, you must bird-proof the room for the safety of your budgies. And if your budgie refuses to get out of the aviary, you must convince it to do so.