Question about new boing

[Parrotpeople]

I purchased a boing for Poppy, we hung it last weekend ... I thought he would be all over it, but he's not interested in fact he actually seems leary of it. Now I must say that this is a bird that thrives on new toys, never afraid of new things, we don't have to hang stuff outside of his cage for days to get him used to anything. This boing though

I hung it over his cage so he could have an extended playing area, but since I have had to place something on top of his cage so he doesn't have to look up at it. Anyway I was wondering how long should I give it? My husband acts like I'm torturing the poor thing & has insinuated I'm somehow enjoying the ordeal ... wth?! I would take it down if it terrified him, but he is really just avoiding it. So I'm wondering; will he ever get used to it or should I take it down ... I try showing him and reassuring him that it's okay several times a day.

[xafsmom]

Tie a piece of his favourite fruit or veggie at the top, see if that instigates his climbing? If he's not afraid of it, and it's just something he's eyeballing, he might realise it's a toy for him if there's a reward at the end lol.

[Parrotpeople]

I tried putting his favorite bell up there, but not food, I'll try that. Maybe a sugar cane treat stick, make it really worth his while.

[birdsnreps]

if hes really scared of it, you could try to hang it somewhere near his cage for a while, maybe he needs some time to warm up to it before it actually goes in his cage. or maybe hes just scared cause its more like a swing and not a steady perch??

[Jannabellsmom]

My cockatiel is a baby (5 months now), and I had read that boings are a big hit. She ignored hers and/or acted somewhat leery of it. Finally I tied some millet to it. A teil favorite. And she went and ate it and was doing all sorts of cute acrobatics on it, it was spinning in circles as she went up it, and she was hanging her head completely down, then going from one level to the next, birds are so cute the things they can do because if it dosen't work they can bail out by flying. Anyhow, she still dosen't really play on it much, and she only sits on her regular swing on rare occassions too. I tend to thnk she's not a very physical player. However, at least the options are there for her if she wants. Good luck with your bird and the boing!

[Ashling]

I've never heard of a boing! Could someone plz tell me what it is? It sounds like fun for birdies :D

[Parrotpeople]

Here's a picture of one, our new one is a natural color.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone

[dancelady]

Sometimes you need to put them lower, not at the top like you have it. The bird needs to see it and realize that it isn't going "to do him in." You also may need to scrunch it up tighter so it doesn't have so long a space to occupy. You said yours was a natural, not bright colors. Does he have a natural rope to climb? Maybe you just need to get him used to the texture of it, and the fact that it is fine for him to use. I put mine in the cage and the chicks took to it right away, but they had a rope to climb before I put the boing in there. Good luck -- just give him time to get used to it.