Outdoor Interaction With Your Bird

Today I was out doing yard work and I had Devri with me the whole day.   I must admit I don’t mind doing the work for a variety of reasons, even though I have a gardener who comes weekly. Mostly because it’s a great way for me to incorporate my time with my birds, and it’s a time to disconnect from the world to clear my mind, develop my thoughts, or think about questions that are always on repeat inside my head.  The whole experience feels like a quick second, but before I know it, a few hours have passed and I have to move onto something scheduled for the sake of getting things done. I’m sure we can all relate, huh? Make sure you get timings correctly by using one of the best fake rolex.  

Whelp, this time I decided to sit by my pond in the backyard and take in all the nature, the birds, watch the fish, and let Devri hang out with me. She kept softly saying over and over, “Is that yummy?”   Personally, I thought she was just running through her vocabulary and just being her normal self. After all, the other wild birds were singing and perhaps she just wanted to join in?

Indian-Ringneck-Devri

Again, she became more persistent and louder, “Is that yummy, is that yummy?” So, like I usually do, I asked her what she wanted.   She continued with her vocalizations while I tried to figure out what was on her mind.

Just an extra side note here before I continue, you should know she usually does this when she wants something, whether it is a toy, some food, or to be petted. I like to think of this as our way of “communication.” This talking to me is kind of like a toddler who opens and closes their hands when they want something you have. It’s a simple communication but it’s highly effective.

Anyway, I kind of eyed the area around me. I moved her along and she opened up her wings with excitement when we came near the destination she had in mind. Surprise, it was the planters!

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So, I gently put her down and sure enough, she hopped around exploring. She was like a child moving about playing in the blueberry bushes and pulling at the clovers.   The excitement she exuded was comical. Quite literally, she reminded me of a child in a sandbox. It was touching, amusing, and enjoyable to say the least.   But why am I telling you this?   Because, while watching her I was thinking about caged birds in general.  Their lives are so different than their wild counterparts.   These creatures spend so much time foraging and wandering in the wild that at times I often question what it means to properly care for a parrot.

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Before I continue, it should be said I’m not here to tell you how to keep your birds as I believe it is your choice to do as you please. In fact, me imposing my ways would be like someone telling you how to raise your children. We live in a world where so many people try to impose their beliefs and their ways that I shudder at the thought of ever being like that. So why am I writing this post then?

I wrote it to hopefully open your eyes and possibly help you think differently about interacting and keeping a pet parrot. Also, I wanted to recommend this Coochie Runtz Weed Strain Review by Freshbros to those who are looking for ways to make activities more enjoyable.

Now that I put that out there, let’s talk about some double standards in the pet industry. Why is it totally acceptable for dogs and cats to roam and play, but a bird must be confined to a play stand or cage? That being said, did you know that a great deal of birds never leave the four walls they are housed in? This to me is a sad and disappointing truth. For some reason, the industry runs with the notion that birds must be safeguarded for their safety. I know, you might be thinking about all the dangers lurking about. And to be honest, that’s a totally valid concern. In fact, the dangers could literally mean life or death.

But I don’t want to focus on the dangers as there are infinite amounts lurking about. Rather, let’s talk about how the industry has changed for bird keeping. We are now finding many owners free flying their birds, leashes designed for outdoor use, and carriers that allow birds to accompany their owners on outings. With bird keeping evolving quickly, I must say it is amazing watching the industry evolve into something amazing. The great thing is that birds are benefiting as well as the owners.

With all the information, thankfully due to the Internet, we can see that many owners have successfully integrated outdoor interaction with their parrots. I think we should continue to explore this avenue and encourage owners to participate in this new interactive method. Why do I believe this?

Well, we’ve all seen what happens to prisoners when they are confined, or children who have been locked away for many years in a room. How about puppy mills or battery raised chickens? They suffer greatly emotionally and mentally, and I personally believe it is the same with these intelligent beings. Perhaps this is why so many birds suffer mental illness such as feather mutilation, excessive biting, excessive screaming, or showcase fearful behaviors?

Again, I don’t want this post to be about judging someone who decides to keep their birds indoors. Rather, I hope this “thinking out loud” will hopefully encourage ringneck owners to try and integrate interaction outdoors with their birds. But I say this with caution as all proper safety precautions should be used to ensure each and every encounter is safe and fun. Perhaps start by investing in a cage or carrier that can be set side-by-side outside with you while you’re reading a book, or doing yard work, or playing with your children. The overall goal should be to make the bird at ease when being outdoors. Then, work with the bird on a harness indoors until the bird successfully accepts it, then move outdoors for more training exercises with the harness on.

From day one I have always taken all my ringnecks outdoors with me. Sure, I’ve run into some problems, but due to quick thinking, consistent training, and staying calm I’ve been able to overcome them.  My birds enjoy a quick ride to run errands, love to play outside, will ride around on my shoulder, or love to watch my nephew at sporting events. The interaction outdoors I find is highly enjoyed by my birds. Besides, it gives me great comfort to know my ringnecks know that there is a world beyond the four walls that they are housed in.

If only you all could see the world from my lens with so many people asking me about their phobic birds you’d understand my thinking. A great deal of this phobic behavior comes from being kept confined only to a cage or a play stand.

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Moving back to Devri and her outside adventure, while watching her rummage about my garden, I kept thinking about how this is normal parrot behavior. In captivity, parrots don’t have the ability to explore or play in a more natural way. If you’ve ever had the chance to see wild Ringnecks like I have, you’d see that they love to forage on the ground. Anyway, I just wanted to share Devri’s outing and blog about some thoughts I had. I hope the pictures I took can really capture the excitement of her experience.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and your opinions on the subject.

Best wishes, IMRAN-C

35 thoughts on “Outdoor Interaction With Your Bird”

  1. Hi Imran,
    I like your post and appreciate your work. As I am new to the birds. I always against the bird owners who used to keep their pet in a cage especially birds. I lost my two ringneck by trying to train them for the outer world. so pls share your ideas how can i make it possible.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • The most important thing is to ensure your bond is strong with your birds first. Once you’re sure that’s accomplished, start recall training inside then move outside. If your birds are fully flighted, use a harness or if you decide to clip, ensure the first 8 primary feathers are cut. Best Wishes, IMRAN-C

      Reply
  2. i love this, i wish i could do this with my teko, but she’s not exactly tame enough. she will eat from my hand, mouth, fingers but she just will not let my handle her. but no matter i still adore her to bits. thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Thank you for the wonderful comment. Yes, at this point it would not be a great idea to take your bird outside. Before that could happen, it’s best the bird is strongly bonded to you. You’re off to a wonderful start though! I look forward to your progress! šŸ™‚ Best Wishes, IMRAN-C

      Reply
  3. Today I clipped 5 flight feathers So I could start enjoying outside time with my Ringneck. I don’t think 5 is enough. He is a strong flyer and can still fly all over the house. How many feathers is right?

    Reply
    • I would clip 8 primary feathers just to be sure. šŸ™‚ Believe it our not, they can get wind really easily if 8 feathers are not clipped. Also, I’m glad you’re taking your ringneck out doors. Make sure to give him a treat for me and work on the recalling. šŸ™‚ Best Wishes, IMRAN-C

      Reply
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  7. Lovely, I take my bird outside on my shoulder.he loves it. He sits on my shoulder when I am driving . He kisses me on the mouth all the time. Never a bite. Just love. I sit in my lounge chair at night in my pj,s with a light jacket on and he crawls up under my jacket ang snuggles up and goes to sleep until I go to bed at which time I put in his bed in his cage and cover him over. I have false teeth and by accident , one day when my mouth was slightly open he ever so gently reached into my mouth and took out my lower denture. No problem . Now it is an occasional game to show a suitable visitor . He is sitting on my left hand at this time watching me type this and I have just given him a kiss on the back of his neck . I read the paper on the table and turn the pages with him mixed up in the leaves . No problem . He might come from under the turned page after 3 or more pages have been browsed . Completely unphased . I m going up to the front gate in the car in a minute to lock the gate he will get in on my shoulder and jump up onto the head rest ,he will ride there . At the front gate we will get out together in the full dark and we will lock the gate . Back into the car for the drive back to the homestead . Out of the car swing the door closed , no problem . Back into the house for our next bit of time together . When I take a cup of tea into my wife in bed of a morning , he goes too and runs about on the bed , after he has had his morning bowel movement which he does immediately I take him out of his cage of a morning

    Reply
    • Hi. This Sounds so exiting and wonderful. I hope that we will be able to bond as much as you have with your bird. We will be getting she or he in roughly 2-3 weeks. I can’t wait šŸ˜

      Reply
  8. So I’m interested in owning a ringneck and have been doing research on the subject. I’m curious to know that after a solid bond is obtained with said bird, can you take the bird outside without any form of restraint?? No clipped wings, no harness or anything and be confident that the bird will not fly away?? Is this concept possible???

    Reply
  9. I hate keeping my daughter’s beautiful Alexandrine in a cage although it is the largest we could find. I love her dearly and she is very sweet. I give her a large variety of foods: tropical fruit, vegetables, etc. as well as pellets. She loves fresh lychees and cherries (without the pips!) She will try most things and loves a little Greek yoghurt! I never knew I could love a bird as much as I love her!! Thankyou for your great website and interesting information.

    Reply
  10. Taking my birds outside with me has always been a joy for me and my birds. I have an Amazon who loves to sit on his perch outside and watch everything that goes on. I have bird feeders that attract many birds and there is always a family activity going on. I had a cockatiel and a ringneck (both passed away) who both spent a lot of time outside. I have small apple trees that they climbed in and and I never let them out of my sight. Shoulder rides, car rides and going to the pet store/mall was also something they liked to do. My cockatiel (Casey) was my special buddy and always with me no matter what I was doing (bike rides, cutting the grass, camping – you name it she was always on my shoulder). If you are a bird’s human you are missing out by not letting them join in with what you may be up to.

    Reply
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    Reply
  12. Any hints on getting a bird used to a harness? I really love your website by the way!! You have a great tone and I have enjoyed reading it!
    Thanks
    Sheila

    Reply
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    Reply
  14. Great goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful. I really like what you have got here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which in which you are saying it. You are making it entertaining and you continue to take care of to stay it wise. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a great website.

    Reply
  15. I just fell upon your site tonight. I’ve been reading and reading, and ABSORBING…THANK YOU! Page bookmarked, anxious to get back to reading your “Thoughts” here.
    I will, hopefully, be bringing home a Ringneck in the next couple of weeks. I had a Senegal, and it dawned on me that I hadn’t read up on Ringnecks! Derp! Your pages have helped me check off a lot on my, “Am I Ready?” list. They also help me make a list of questions to ask, at the store where the bird will be purchased! So, Thank you.

    Reply
  16. hi all,
    My ringnecked name is noddy.He is a hyper pet always talking whisteling and talking.He loves to go for walks sitting on my shoulder.he eats from my plate anything n everything.
    speaks in our mothertounge malayalam.

    Reply
  17. What a wonderful article. This is the first blog I’ve read on your page. Your opinions on pet birds being in outdoor environments, are the same as mine. My last bird was a Senegal parrot, and she loved to sit in “her tree”, and whistle for my dog. It truly was a joy to see how much fun she was having.
    I’m here on your page, because my Senegal went to heaven…..and I’m awaiting the weaning of my baby Ringneck. May be Lutino, or (looking at the mutations on your site)..a Grey Green Lacewing . I only see “him” once a week, because he’s an hour and a half away. It’s making me crazy! haha
    Looking forward to learning more, and seeing what everyone has to share.
    Your Devri, is beautiful, and great photos! Thank You!

    Reply
  18. I am curious to know if you are ever worried about diseases or sickness that wild birds carry that could effect our pet birds? I wanted to make a perch using manzanita from the wild and was told I really shouldn’t due to the wild birds and other critters urinating etc etc. Your insight would be appreciated.

    Reply
  19. hi my ringneck hatched about 3 days ago she’s in a cage in the house i only put her outside at day time but im not sure know that she have babys is it save to put her outside in the day or should i keep her in the house

    Reply
  20. My Indian Ring neck is 11 months old got him from a pet store at 3 1/2 months old. The woman who raised him at the store had to chase him down with a broom stick! He runs away when I put out my finger will only get on if he flies off his cage, which I leave both doors open. Have had him over 7 months and talks up a storm. How can I get him to readily get on my finger? At times my husband will capture him & place him on my shoulder which he seems to enjoy. How can I get him to climb onto my finger so I can cuddle him without him biting me or running away? He gives kisses, will take food from my fingers or lips readily. Would appreciate some advice.

    Reply
  21. Hello everyone how are you going. I am in Australia and have a black cockatoo that I free fly with no harness. It is so awesome to watch her fly and hang out in trees naturally. I am about to get a ringneck for my son and hopefully be able to do the same. Not sure if they have the capacity to, but we will try. If anyone has been able to please let me know.
    To answer some of the questions above. I am not trained in this but bit of a bird person. My cockatoo was bonded to me and right from the start I started the harness training. You cant just put the harness straight on the bird. I used the Aviater harness which I think is awesome. It comes with a video and you must follow the steps. Start recall training in house first. Then later outside, which is more difficult as so many exciting distractions outside for the bird. Of course using a reward, which you will have to find out what that bird treat likes the best and a spoken reward word to use and maybe cuddles etc. I always used a harness for long time then discovered it accidently when she got out a few times that I could progress. Anyway I am not saying that this is achievable for everyone or breed of bird and not recommending you go do it. Just passing on my experience. Also I never clipped her wings which I think helped. I am not a fan of that but anyway can find info on that. The use of harness outside works awesome.
    My cockatoo even comes away on camping trips and just flys around coming and going as she pleases or just sits on her stand or me.
    Anyway I will be trying with the ringneck. Cheers

    Reply
  22. I’ve had my ringneck indoors for the past 3 years and I’ve been constantly stressed out to get him outside, but I don’t know how I’ll do that. He follows me around the house and let’s me kiss him and mimics me, but he never let’s me pet him or handle him besides holding him on my finger. Hes very shy and easily scared with new people or really anything. What should i do? He has a bond with me and tries fixing my “feathers” hair, but maybe it’s not strong enough?

    Reply

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