Free Flight

[GouldieFledge]

I've been experimenting with some free flight and so far, so good. My boys and baby are a little skeptical, but still seem to enjoy coming out and just sitting on top of the cages. My female (in cage by herself) hasn't made the move yet.

I'm wondering if it's okay to open both cages at the same time. I've been doing one or the other so far, maybe it would encourage her? Or would the others try to "conquer" her cage?

[lnlovesorange]

GouldieFledge
Sorry no one answered you. I just saw this or I would have chimed in sooner. I opened all of my cages at once for free flight (when i got my bird room) the Zebras had free flight all along so they Zoomed right out. My Gouldians on the other hand were a little skeptical. They stayed in their cage, oh, i'd say probably the first 2 months, they wouldn't come out. I'd go in and check on them and all the zebras would be in the Gouldians cage, hopping around squawkin away... I always felt so bad for the Gouldians, so i started shutting thier cage so the Zebras couldn't get in.... But then I felt bad because I wanted them to be able to come and go as they pleased the way the zebras do! I was in a conundrum! LOL Eventually I just left all the cages open all the time, and very slowly, one by one my 3 Goulds emereged, slowly, and only baby steps, and they they would go back in to sleep, and eat and to "escape" but now.... they fly as well as the zebs and zip around the room. I think if you open both cages at once the boys will go to her cage (Zebras like to be with each other) for that fact and just because they are NOSY and need to see, touch EVERYTHING so it'll be new for them. Depending on the dispositon of your girl that would be your decision, do you think it would bother her having them in her cage? And i'm assuming free fly is monitered by you? So you could try it, and worst case if they try to get on her, or fight or whatever it is that you're worried about you can always let her out first, once she's out close her cage, then let them out.... and open her cage after a little while so she can go back in.... Again, it's all what your birds are like and how YOU Feel about it. But I think allowing her to free fly at the same time, yes might push her out the door a little quicker... Zebras it only takes one, if one of them is doing it and the others see, they ALL will do it (that's how I get them to eat different foods! I give it to the one bird I KNOW will try it... nex thing i know all of them are there eating it!) LOL good luck, ang again sorry the response took so long

[GouldieFledge]

lnlovesorange Yay, someone has an answer! Haha no worries at all, any advice at any time is appreciated

I did end up going with my gut and opening both cages and they were fine. The boy eventually traveled over to her, which was no surprise at all--making himself right at home with a little taste from her seed dish, a nice helping of millet spray, drink of water...but she seemed to be alright with this. She even starting eating seed from a separate cup in a mimicking way, so I guess she enjoyed the company. He kinda just poked around in there. He came out of her cage on his own the last time when I used my eggfood lure to get him back into his real home.

The first time I opened the cage (hers was still shut at this point) all 3 came out of the cage and kind of made a few rounds through the room, finally settling on the fan/tops of the cages and empty nests surrounding. I think the baby was the one to take the first step. After that 1st time though, 2 of them have been little chickens and won't venture out again, the baby and the dilute. My normal guy has come out within 5-10 minutes of opening the door ever since that first time, haha. He really enjoys himself I guess, he mostly hangs on top of/around the cages and just creeps on the others below.

I haven't monitored every minute, but I do hang out in there. When I first open them up, I immediately leave because I think they'll be skeptical of my presence. Then I'll peek in and once I see they're [he's] out, I'lll enter and sit and watch. Then usually leave again, come back with fresh eggfood to get him back in the cage.

My lone hen, on the other hand...has yet to leave her cage! Hahaha

[lnlovesorange]

GouldieFledge Can't say i necessarily blame her surrounded by all those boys... and from what people tell me if you have them all out together there could be some aggression as they will start competeing for a mate, I'm sure you'll be ok though cuz your only do free fly and they are caged separately, but just figured I'd give you a warning.... Poor girl though, maybe let her out alone, and see if she comes out? Not sure, but I always feel bad for the one not coming out, like "look at all the fun and excercise everyone is getting... dont' you want that too??" LOL But she'll come when she's ready I guess! Well, glad things went well otherwise. They are such a joy to watch them, as close to their natural habitat (free fly) as possibly in Captivity. I'm looking into getting something for mine, so they have something to do... they have this entire room, and things to land on (perches, and cages) and food.....but I want to get a box or something to put grasses and stuff in so they can forage... I'll figure somsething out I'm sure, just racking my brain....Any pics? I love pictures!

[GouldieFledge]

lnlovesorange She's always been a shy girl, hopefully she'll come out of her shell soon

I actually don't have pictures, but I'll definitely get some during the next round of free flight!

[lovezebs]

lnlovesorange

A couple of Tupperware container (one to use, one to wash) as foraging /toy boxes.
Timothy hay, different kinds of dry/green grasses, twigs, crushed egg shells, bits of crinkley paper, feathers, even a few mealworms (if your kids enjoy them).

I would just make sure that the containers are deep enough (otherwise you'll end up with it all over the floor).