Hi Mick
mickpmc wrote:1 of his wings are cut but I don't agree while my parents do.
By cut, I presume you mean clipped? From what I can gather the current train of thought on this is that if you are going to clip their wings, both wings should be clipped. Our vet did a long clip so they can both fly reasonably well... they can fly a little bit up, but not enough to fly and land on the fridge or onto our ceiling fans.
mickpmc wrote:I don't think I should let him out to fly around yet. I have been taking him out and holding his wings so he can't
fly around. I put him close to me and pat him.
It sounds like you are doing ok if your bird will let you hold him close to you and pat you. I've never "held" my birds wings, just be sure you're not hurting him... although I'm sure you wouldn't do that.
mickpmc wrote:How many times a day should I take him out. I'm really new to this so I'm not too good.
It's not just about the number of times a day it's also about what they do in that time. Just spend as much time with your bird as you can without neglecting other important things in your life.
With mine, I take them out once in the morning and once in the afternoon just about every day. They know to expect this and it forms a routine with them. On the odd occasion, we can't do this because we're not home... but we make every effort to do so. I may also take them out one or two more times but not always.
Most mornings, I'd say they are probably out for at least two hours.... although they've been out for three and a half hours this morning! I take them into the shower with me and that gives them something else to do in the mornings. They like to explore different parts of the house.
Afternoons it would be probably about 2 hours again.... and as I said, sometimes I will get them out during the day too.
I always interact with them during this time but not constantly. For example, in the mornings, I'm getting their food ready and getting myself ready for the day and quite often in the afternoon I will watch TV with them or prepare dinner. It's good to have an out-of-cage play area for them. Do you have something like this? I also fit in training time most days (usually in the afternoon).
mickpmc wrote:I need to know if I can let him go around free or I should tame him first?
My opinion is I think you can do both. Personally, I don't let my birds go free in my house much without supervision. Firstly, because I'm scared they'll electrocute themselves or get themselves into some sort of trouble (I'm paranoid about them jumping in the toilet, although they have never shown the slightest bit of interest in it!). I'm also scared that if we don't know they're on the floor we'll accidentally step on them.
Especially when they are young and getting to know you, the more time you can spend with them the better... and even when they're in the cage, you can still spend time with them giving them treats through the cage bars, talking to them, etc. They quite like observing what you do.
Best wishes Mick!
Ellie.
its only a parrot 
