Expert: Teresa Weingart - 1/9/2012

Question
Hi There,
I am buying a baby cockatiel on the weekend and am planning on raising it around kids as we always have them round :). I was just wondering if its safe to take it down to the park and lake when i go there so it can get out and about and interact with the kids?

Answer
Hi Gabby -

Thanks for your question.

You mean outside of the cage?  I would never do that.  

It is a birds natural instinct to try and fly. Baby birds can fly as well as some adults.  You risk not seeing it again, especially if it flies up into a tree or heads out over the lake without knowing how to return.  

My expert opinion is-- don't do it.  Kids can interact with a bird just fine while it is in the cage.  You should really only have it outside the cage in a safer environment (a room with the doors and windows closed)....even if you have the wings professionally clipped.

Good luck to you.

Teresa