Since the weather has been so beautiful and I've been working more and the new parakeet... Merlin is not happy. He has pulled a lot of feathers from his chest. It breaks my heart. He's not out as much as he was in winter.

He is petrified of the carrier. I wanted suggestions on getting him out IN his carrier.
Should I leave the carrier out where he can see it for a few days then get him in it and take him right out then put him in it and bring him outside? Slow baby steps to teach him that if he goes in the carrier nothing bad happens to him?


Guilt, guilt, guilt!

I have never had to deal with this, so all of my advice is just a guess. Hopefully someone will come along that has dealt with this to help more.

I would put the carrier where he can see all the time and maybe go up to it and touch it and laugh and make him see that you view it as a happy thing. Maybe try putting a favorite toy or treat in it as well. Let him see it for a week or more until he becomes more comfortable with it and then trying placing it closer to him and maybe letting him sit near it on his own. And then after a week or so of that try putting him in it and reward him with a treat and lots of excitement when he comes out.

I like that. Put it where he can see it, and then use it for a toy box/treat storage! Make sure he sees you taking something yummy or fun out of the carrier and then give it to him.

You guys are so smart! Never thought of putting toys and treats in it! His favorite treat is chow mein noodles so that'll be where they come from now!

Thanks so much!!!