Parrots usually enjoy getting out of their cage to stretch their legs and flap their wings. So, when a parrot refuses to leave its cage, it typically signifies something isn’t right.
Some parrots refuse to leave their cage because they’re scared of something in their environment, such as other pets and people, a phobia of the outdoors, and past trauma.
Also, injured, sick, or diseased parrots are unlikely to emerge because they feel tired and weak.
You can usually coax a parrot out of its cage with encouragement tactics. If the parrot feels unwell, its willingness to interact will increase once the problem is resolved.
Why Won’t My Parrot Leave Its Cage?
Here are some of the reasons why a parrot won’t leave its cage:
Phobia
A phobia is usually caused by long-term neglect and a lack of socialization by owners who become too busy to offer their parrots sufficient attention and interaction.
As a result, the parrot sees its cage as its safe space, refusing to leave it.
Consequently, the parrot needs training and encouragement to overcome its ingrained fear. Owners must interact with their parrots to make them feel comfortable and safe in their presence.
Trauma
If something traumatic happened while the parrot was out of its cage, it might fear going outside. Trauma could include an accident or injury, such as flying into a window, door, or ceiling fan.
A noisy appliance, like a vacuum cleaner, radio, or TV, may have spooked the parrot.
So, the parrot has developed negative connotations with being outside its cage. One way to deal with this problem is to move its cage to a new location that isn’t connected with past trauma.
Territorial Instincts
Parrots see their cage as their own, so they defend it like they would their territory in the wild. This is most likely if the cage is shared with another parrot.
Macaws, lovebirds, and Quaker parrots are most prone to territorial behaviors, becoming aggressive while defending their cage. When you attempt to get the parrot out of its cage, it’ll lunge and bite.
Household Pets
Some parrots, especially the smaller species, see other animals as predators, which frightens them and causes them to seek refuge inside their cages.
Cats will stalk parrots. According to MDPI, birds are among the most common species for cats to prey upon. Dogs are less likely to prey on parrots, but their sniffing may unnerve them.
Even though most owners keep other pets out of the room while their parrot plays and exercises, some birds can’t see past the danger and refuse to leave the safety of their cage.
Injury
If the parrot has an injury to its wings, feet, or legs, it won’t feel like exercising or being outside its cage. If you suspect the parrot has an injury or health concern, check for these signs:
- Limping or lameness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Aggression.
- Vocalization.
- Lethargy.
- Dull eyes.
- Poor feather quality or discoloration.
- Drooped wing.
- Inability to stand.
How To Get A Parrot Out of Its Cage
Once you’ve corrected the problem, it’s necessary to coax the parrot out of its cage.
There are various techniques, but always use slow and steady movements and work at the parrot’s pace. If you move too quickly, you might spook the parrot.
Here’s how to get a parrot out of its cage:
Petting
Before reaching in and removing the parrot from its cage, spend 5-10 minutes stroking it and showing it affection. Use a soft, high-pitched voice to talk to the parrot, reassuring it that it’s not in danger.
Once you’ve established trust, gently move it toward the cage door. If a parrot struggles or becomes aggressive, release it and try another time.
Treats
Positive reinforcement is among the most effective training techniques, so try feeding the parrot its favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds to encourage it to step out.
You can either hand-feed or leave the treats by the door for the parrot to find in its own time. Leaving a trail for the parrot to follow will encourage it to come out.
Toys
Use the parrot’s favorite toys and games to pique its curiosity. Parrots love being mentally challenged, and the most curious birds won’t be able to resist some fun and entertainment.
You could encourage the parrot to leave the cage by treating it to new toys it hasn’t played with before. This will work well if the parrot gets bored quickly or often outwits its games.
Ignore The Parrot
This method is the one that most owners struggle with, but some parrots get stressed by too much fuss and attention. So, give the parrot space until it feels comfortable enough to leave the cage.
You can sit in the same room to offer comfort and support, but stay quiet and still so any sounds and movements don’t spook the parrot.
How To Parrot Proof A Room
Before the parrot leaves its cage, its environment must be safe. If not, the parrot will never feel comfortable exercising in its environment.
You must parrot-proof the room by doing the following:
Remove Obstacles
Room obstacles that can harm the parrot include:
- Windows.
- Doors.
- Radiators.
- Heaters.
- Candles.
- Oven.
If the parrot comes into contact with or flies into these items, it’s likely to hurt itself, developing negative connotations with the environment outside its cage.
Remove Household Plants
If the parrot gets hold of a toxic plant, it could grow unwell. So, remove plants from the room the parrot’s exercising in. The following plants are poisonous to parrots:
- Amaryllis.
- Daffodils.
- Holly.
- Ivy.
- Lilies.
- Mistletoe.
- Morning glory.
- Philodendron.
- Poinsettia.
Turn Off Electricals
If there’s too much noise, the parrot may become scared of its surroundings, refusing to leave the sanctuary of its cage.
Turn off all appliances like TVs, radios, and vacuum cleaners to minimize noise scaring a parrot.
Tidy Away Wires
The home is full of electricals and wires, which parrots fly into, risking electrical burns and injury, especially if the parrot chews through them.
If this happens, the parrot will likely experience psychological damage from the trauma.
Tuck all wires away or remove them entirely whenever the parrot’s exercising in the room.
Keep Pets Out
Other pets make parrots feel uncomfortable due to their predatory behaviors. Even if they’re not bothering it, the parrot won’t leave the cage if it feels vulnerable.
To prevent this from happening, lock all pets out of the parrot’s room, regardless of whether they’re friendly. Most parrots refuse to leave their cage when other animals are nearby.
Never force the parrot out of its cage. If it refuses to come out, you must stimulate the parrot’s mind and provide exercise through regular attention-giving and toys.
