flighted quaker-behavior change

[two_bluebirds]

I have an affectionate male quaker who is always talking but since he learned to fly he has become independent and does not want to step up. He loves being flighted but he won't come to me if he thinks he's going in for cage time.
He will fly to my shoulder and lay his head against my cheek.
My cag is his best friend and she is female. They fly together in the house. She does not want to return to her cage either. I think they are going through a phase and I'm being patient with them and use a perch for step up for the cag now but the quaker won't come to me. No way will I clip his wings.
Has anyone seen this behavior change when their quaker became flighted? I think it's because they are so excited to be free to fly around that they want to just enjoy it. Just wondering how long until they understand that return to cage is what they must do. They have flight time 3 times a day. Once in their cages they are very content.

[Monica]

This behavoir is actually seen in many birds who become flighted. Sometimes though the birds become too dominant and refuse everything and may even become aggressive. At this point in time the bird is normally reclipped.

Why not think about giving him a moderate clip? One that still allows for him to fly, but doesn't allow for him to gain much altitude.

When trying to get them to go back in the cage though, be sure to offer them a treat for inside the cage.