Would a skittish bird be better in smaller cage

[vjneville]

I just got a new quaker baby. She's almost 13 weeks old. The lady who had her got her a couple of weeks ago from a breeder. Then she ended up in the hospital and know one handled the baby at all. She is very hand shy. Once you do get her- she doesn't bite just tries to get away.
I have her in a larger cage- 3ft X3ft X2 ft. So she has a lot of space to hide in. I was wondering if I moving her to a smaller cage- 30"X22"X18" would help. Once she was tame in a few months, I'd move her back to the big one. The smaller one has a playtop that opens too and I have a play tree I made next to it so once she's ready to come out, she would actually have more to do. The bigger cage just has a flat top.
Does this sound like a stupid idea or something that might help?

[Astrid660]

I think the larger one would be better. Maybe cover a corner so she has somewhere to retreat if scared ? I think quakers notoriously love those happy hut things... I know mine used to sleep in hers all the time I'm sure she will come to accept you in time, especially if you speak softly and give her treats to reward positive behavior. Praise her when she does sit with you without running away. I adopted a 15 year old quaker who was not very tame, but she came around in time. I'm sure yours will too. :)

[Monica]

I actually found that the more space birds have to "escape" without being chased, the more comfortable they may become. When stuck in a smaller cage, they don't have as much room to 'get away' and thus their fear can be heightened because they feel trapped. Therefore, I'd say to stick with the larger cage. Not only that but some of the cages that have playstands that open up can be dangerous.

Just give your new quaker some time to settle in, perhaps even covering part of the cage as Astrid said to give her a better sense of 'security' may help. Don't force your quaker to do anything if you don't have to. Instead, reward her for what you do want her to do. If you want her to be less hand shy, offer her treats from your hands.

[Allessa]

Does she have a sleepy tent? Both of mine LOVE theirs. Its not only a comfy spot to sleep in, but its also their safe zone. Anything that would bother them or be scary they would run right in it.

[vjneville]

Ok, so she's staying in the big cage. I've offered her treats - she loves millet but she won't come near me to get it so I've just been holding it there for a little bit and once she calms down and stops running- I just drop it near her. So she's getting rewarded right now for not running. I figure I'll work my way up to her taking it from me.

She does have a happy hut too.
I think we are making a little progress because when I talk and make kissy sounds to her- she's been chirping back to me sometimes.
I am keeping her cage door open most of the time so she gets to think it's no big deal.