Outdoor Cage

[weimerheimer]

My wife and I enjoy the summer evenings after work sitting on our patio. We recently obtained a used cage that we're planning on keeping on our patio. It's not a huge cage and can only hold one macaw at at time, but we thought it would be nice to bring a macaw outside with us to sit and relax on the patio after work/evening when it's nice out.

Is there any thing we need to be aware of when we do this? Anything like health risks, safety, etc....????

Does anyone else do this?

We would definately not keep any birds out over night and they would be brought back inside.

We do have "predators" around our area (i.e. Redtailed Hawks and Foxes are the main ones).

[aliray]

You also want to watch out for racoons as well as I have heard of them getting a bird in a cage. but if you are going to bring him in with your and not leave the bird unattended than I think it would be a great Idea. The birds would love it

[keepsmiling]

Predators, mosquitoes and heat can be an issue. Mosquitoes can give your bird west nile. There is also a few other pesky bugs which can cause issue. You want to make sure if there is any food, that no critter is accessing it. They can carry nasties like sarco. You do not want to leave a bird in the sun, they can die within 20 minutes in a hot cage from being overheated. How will you get the bird to and from the cage? ie: even clipped birds can fly away, and of course unclipped. Clamping down on the toes is not enough, especially for a macaw. If they get frightened they can pull away, and fly away. Predators can be an issue. Do not leave your bird to...go get something to drink, use the bathroom, answer the phone, for any reason..
Don't be surprised if he does not like it as much as you think he might. It may take him some getting used to it. Even some who put their birds out for the day and bring them in, in huge flights say their birds are on high alert and nervous outside, and going back in seems like a relief.

[Turquoise]

I think your birds would love to get outside. I don't see why it wouldn't work for one at a time & since you will be enjoying the time outside with them it will be great fun for all. I know of some folks who bring their macaws out in a cage on their patios for fresh air & they give them showers while out on warm days

I plan on making an enclosed patio area for my flock off my back door for nice days large enough to sit in with my feathered kids. I have taken Roscoe out on a harness & he loved being outside. With an enclosure large enough for each play perch, they can all enjoy the day.

[mistywaterwoman]

I've toyed with this idea as well. We already have an enclosed patio, and I take my young son out there just to enjoy the spring weather for a half an hour or so a couple times a day. My lovie cage is in the den, and it would be a simple thing to roll the cage out onto the patio with us for 20 minutes at a time... but I've hesitated because I didn't want to freak them out. :/

I may try it once and see if they seem to like it or not.

[jtbirds]

Keep smiling pretty much covered the rest of the issues that could be present, just make sure they arnt unattended or don't try to break out as you know macaws they will try;).