How to give free fly time

[tammy]

Hi everyone. I have only had my parakeet for about a month now. He does well with my hand in the cage, he will stay on my hand for quite awhile and gives nibbles and even a little song sometimes. I have started to bring him real close to my body while holding him the last day. He is getting more comfortable with that. What I would like to know is how do you know when your keet is ready to let out? I assume mine will just take off and I will have a hard time catching him. Any suggestions on how to know when your bird is ready for free flight and what to expect once we start? Thank you to all. They certainly are cute little bugars aren't they!

[BUUZBEE]

Welcome to the forum. all mine are in the aviary, so i will leave this one to the pros that have tame birds. my conures have free time, but they climb everywhere, not fly, lol

[redgirl]

Once hand tamed he/she is ready to be out of the cage...I always have the curtains closed a bit as I am scared they fly into the windows and crack their beaks and get hurt. Its great to watch them having play time.

[Joey]

Yes some of teh new birds I tend to buy have been caged and are not really used to flying my Cockatiel came out went straight head on into a wall at top speeds and cracked a part of its beak right off.It has grown back but it was painfull for her to eat...It could have been worse liek a broken neck:( But shes fine I ussualy just trim maybe 2 feathers from teh wings so tehy cannot fly that fast.They can still fly its not clipping thier wings but they cannot reach thier top speeds to injure themselves also do not force the budgie out open teh door and let her/him come out on thier own.The first time they might not come out but the other time they might...keep trying, tempt them with food.and as someone said above I make sure the curtains are over teh window door is shut, plant is covered and !!!WINDOW IS SHUT!!!:eek: always check your windows

[tammy]

I am so excited right now. I had Quinn on my finger and my hand resting on my stomach. He heard our other keet and took off to find her. After awhile of exploring he flew over next to me and actually got up on my finger and I was able to walk him back into his cage!! I can't believe it. Thanks all who replied.

[BUUZBEE]

excellent! so glad to hear its going well!

[pal0m1n0]

Joey, which two feathers do you trim? I bought a new bird that happened to have clipped wings, but now he is strong enough to really fly even without all the feathers. I am thinking I may have to do something to reduce his speed as well. At least until he knows the territory. After the experience of having a bird with clipped wings, I decided that in my home, the risk of being stepped on is greater than the risk of smashing into something. I think that here, stamina is more important than speed.