Yes, the parrot was out on the playtop! I finally had the opportunity to take a decent picture of Kris, as you all can see. Now his beautiful long tail is more visible. Isn’t he a pretty bird? I thought I was never going to be able to coax him out to accomplish this.

A few days ago, I opened the cage top and walked away. When I returned an hour later he was on top and ready for an adventure. I quickly shot a few pictures and a video. Have to try reshooting a shorter video because there was too much data to upload to the website. I will figure it out, posting something soon.

Put my hand out, saying “step up”, Kris jumped up to my hand, and then jumped to my shoulder. He then rode around, commented as I typed on the computer, and screamed in my ear while I was on the phone. I walked into the kitchen. Kris became flustered with the movement and flew up onto the curtain rod. Later I retrieved him, walked over close to his cage, and he jumped up onto his cage. As I walked away, he flew off across the living room. Eventually, he worked his way half walking and half flying back towards me in the dining room. (I have a new best friend.)

It was after 4:30 when I walked again over to Kris’ cage to deposit him. This time, Kris stayed. The room was darkening. A short time later when I checked, Kris had returned inside the cage settling down for the night. Yes! A home run, a goal, a basket, my team scored! Quickly I shut the top.

Kris had a heck of a good time that day.

Kris’ cage has a play top. It opens on top so he can come out and play with toys or a play stand (a platform with a perch or two and a couple of play items attached).

Lately, I’ve been opening the top trying to entice him out. Kris just looks as if interested but not bold enough to attempt it. Mind you, his wings aren’t clipped and I have no idea how I would get him back in the cage if he decides to have an adventure flying around the house.  (Don’t forget my cat is old and arthritic but she isn’t dead.) I’ve been assuming that since I do this before I feed him, the prospect of food should bring him back to the cage. Maybe. Fat chance more likely.

When open, I say step up and put out my hand. Of course, he just looks at me. At least, he doesn’t laugh. He does know how to laugh. I tap my shoulder and ask if he wants to ride? Nothing. Training takes time and many repetitions. I’ll just keep on trucking.’

I’ve been trying (Yeah, I know. Everybody thinks I’m trying…their patience, that is.) to review step up with Kris. Step up is one of the first commands you teach a parrot where he will perch on your hand. He used to do this for me but had stopped awhile back. I’m not sure if it’s because I move too fast or move my hands too much (I’m Italian I can’t talk without moving my hands). Kris has known me long enough that I’m not a stranger. Unless he’s missing his previous owner? One never knows.

Also did not earn his friendship today when I cleaned his cage. Kris never likes his habitat being disturbed. At least, the cage is all fresh until he starts pooping again (about 3 seconds after I finished). He is a cute little poop machine.