Parrots enjoy time in the sun, soaking up UV rays and watching the world go by. Unfortunately, there are dangers when taking a parrot outside because they can fly away, never to return.
Curiosity, intrigue, or a loud noise can cause a parrot to fly off into the distance. It’s okay to take a parrot outside on a harness, temporarily place its cage outside, or put it in an aviary.
Letting A Pet Parrot Outside
Parrots often go missing because they seek freedom. Even if the parrot isn’t intent on abandoning you, it may take to the air and be unable to find its way home.
Just because a parrot has bonded with you doesn’t mean it won’t fly away. Parrots get scared easily.
According to Semantic Scholar, even well-trained parrots will fly away if suddenly spooked by a dog barking, a neighbor shouting, roadworks, or passing traffic.
Parrots Returning Home
Some owners allow parrots the freedom to come and go from the home.
They may find that their parrot always returns. However, a parrot that manages to return a few times isn’t guaranteed to return every time. This is because the following can happen:
Lost in The Wild
Parrots don’t have a homing instinct like pigeons because they evolved to rely on their flock.
If a parrot flies off, it may intend to return. Once it gets far enough away, it’ll no longer recognize the area and can’t tell which way is home. It’ll keep flying, ending up even more lost.
Injury, Sickness, And Death
Pet parrots lack the necessary survival tools to live outside the home.
They tire more quickly than wild parrots. Some run out of energy after flying around for a while and become vulnerable to predators and extreme weather.
If a parrot sustains an injury or grows unwell, it won’t be able to return, even if it hasn’t traveled far.
Domestic parrots depend on their owners for sustenance, so they can’t identify safe foods.
A parrot could get a disease from interacting with sick birds and animals.
Captured or Adopted
If someone finds the parrot in their yard, they may keep it as a pet or sell it for profit. Even if someone with good intent finds the parrot, you likely won’t be located by the person.
It’s natural to assume that a parrot has been set free because an owner can’t meet its care requirements.
According to the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, parrot rescues are increasing because many people release or surrender their pet birds.
How To Safely Take A Parrot Outdoors
Here are the best ways to let a parrot outdoors:
Harness
A harness can be fastened securely around the parrot’s body to its chest, legs, and under its wings. The harness will extend from the back so the wings aren’t inhibited.
If the parrot is startled or curious and attempts to fly off, you can prevent it from getting out of reach by getting a slightly longer leash.
If you use a harness, start indoors until you have complete trust in the harness.
Cage
Putting the cage outside for a few hours can benefit a parrot’s health.
Partial sun exposure enables a parrot to synthesize vitamin D3 for calcium absorption, get fresh air in its lungs and air sacs, and enjoy new and exciting experiences.
A shaded area should be available on one side of the cage to minimize the risk of overheating and heatstroke. You can get a portable cage with a handle to take the parrot for mini adventures.
Aviary
You can get an aviary if you want a parrot to fly free without escaping and getting lost.
An aviary is a large enclosure with 4 walls and a roof. It can be wrapped with chicken wire, meaning fresh air can easily pass through. Include a two-door entryway for safety.
If you have the know-how, you can buy an aviary and assemble the parts or build one from scratch.
Why Parrots Dislike Being Outside
While most parrots enjoy the exercise and sunlight, others find the experience overwhelming.
External stimuli can trigger anxious behaviors when taken outside the house, which is common in parrots that have always lived indoors. This includes parrots that were:
- Never kept near windows or doors that gave them a view of the outside world.
- Transported from a breeder directly to your home.
An aversion to the outdoors can happen when parrots have experienced emotional trauma. Since their hyper-awareness of danger is so strong, they can be startled by new sights or sounds.
If a parrot is always scared, training can be undertaken to remove this fear.
Training A Parrot To Go Outdoors
If the parrot has never been outdoors or hasn’t done so in years, don’t thrust them into this new environment without taking precautions.
Even if the bird has no issues sitting on your shoulder or flying around a parrot-safe room, it may not behave the same way outside due to new stimuli.
Here are some ways to help a parrot adjust:
Take It Outside in A Cage
To introduce a parrot to the great outdoors, place its cage outside. Do the following:
- Nearby cage position. If the parrot is agitated, you can take it inside.
- Cover 3 sides of the cage. This ensures the parrot can’t see too much at once. The less it can see, the less likely it is to grow overstimulated.
- 10-minute-long sessions. Start with a short amount of time. If the parrot wants to spend more time outdoors, its sounds and body language will alert you.
- Consistency: Parrots thrive on routine, so maintain consistency.
Keep the cage locked, and never open the door until you’re back inside the home.
Harness Training
Once a parrot is more comfortable, begin harness training. Remember, most parrots hate wearing harnesses, and training them to wear one can be difficult.
Many owners grow frustrated and strong-arm their parrots into the gear, which is counterproductive.
Outdoor Training for A Parrot
Outdoor training requires experimentation with the parrot’s tolerance levels. You must be observant because it’ll enable you to establish a healthy outdoor routine. Here’s what to do:
- Take snacks and a clicker with you.
- Take a walk around the yard with the parrot.
- Identify the signs that a parrot wants to return inside, like restless behavior or panic.
- Increase the time spent outside every few days until you learn its limits.
- Never walk with a parrot outside for more than 2 hours.
Beware of Dangers
If you live in an area with birds of prey like eagles or hawks, they could kill a parrot almost instantly. If so, outdoor cages and supervision throughout are preferred over harnesses.
Extreme Weather
Some parrots can acclimate to cold weather, but most are more comfortable in warmer climates.
If the temperature is too hot, keep the outdoor time short. If the parrot keeps opening its wings and panting, it’s overheating. If so, take it back inside to moderate its temperature.
Parrots like going outside, but introduce them to the outdoors safely and gradually.
