Outside playtime...

[littleuglything]

Hi all,
Sorry to keep bugging you all and you all have been so helpful so far...

My next question... i have been debating/arguing with my brother inlaw who say's my partner and i are fussing over the birds too much and they spend far too much time out of the cage...He only has a yellow buggie, i have tried to point out that lovebirds are very different to buggies as they need a lot of attention.
We have only had the birds for a week, they are in their cage when we are both at work, but the moment we get home the first thing we do is get the birds out of the cage, they either sit on our shoulders, or we leave them to roam about on the top of the sofa or on their cage until bedtime! We have set up a ramp so that they can get from the sofa, to their play and then up on to their cage. So they can come and go as they please, they seem happy enough with this, but we are wondering is this to much time out of their cage and should they spend more time in their cage when we are at home? As they are new and only a few months old, should we make playtime more restricted?
We would be very grateful if you guys have any surggestions or what you can tell us what you do with your birds....slowly but surely we are learning more about them!!
Many thanks inadvance xx

[shosh]

Generally speaking, the more time your guys get outside their cage, the better for their physical and mental well-being....it also affords you more opportunity to bond with them which is especially important since there are two of them and this time is essential with you so that they bond to you AND each other. Too much time together alone inside their cage will impede their bonding with you ( especially in these crucial early stages...)
Sounds like you are doing the right thing.....
BTW, budgies need lots of human time, too, as do all parrots although certainly some species can get by with less than others. The more quality time they spend outside the cage with you ( and each other, of course) the happier they'll be.
Keeping them inside while you are at work is a good idea since it's best to keep an eye on them and that way, they will also appreciate their outside time more!
I must admit, though, my guys don't ALWAYS get great outside time...some days they get more than others. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing either.....they become accustomed to different possibilities and don't FREAK out if they haven't had "x" amount of out time. In addition, if I travel for a week or so, they don't come out so it's not a bad idea that they get used to that.

[mayaexquisite]

My babies are in their cages when I'm at work but once I'm home they're out of their cage until I notice they're getting tired and I know it's time for night-night-dark-time.

There's no such thing as "too much outside time" in my book!!

[mayaexquisite]

My babies are in their cages when I'm at work but once I'm home they're out of their cage until I notice they're getting tired and I know it's time for night-night-dark-time.

There's no such thing as "too much outside time" in my book!!

URGH!! There must be something going on with this server... I keep making double posts and it takes me forever to connect to anything on this site. Is this just me?