Do birds in general look for escape routes? If someone walks in the door and the door is open only long enough for the person to get in, will a bird bolt out the door in that split second? Or, is it a combination of something frightening them and a door or window being left open that they escape? My tiel is now flighted. It "seems" she would much rather be on me than anywhere else. She is always following me around. I wouldn't do anything careless like answer the door with her on my shoulder or leave a window open so that she could escape. Are they watching and timing the exact moment when they think they might be able to escape? Can my family come in or go out (quickly and if the birds are now where near the door) without me getting stressed out. If they are content with their flock (human flock) will they try to escape?

Thanks everyone.

Well, I don't really know. Thats a good question, but Ira would fly off or try if I leave a door open to the outside. I bring her into my front yard to get the mail ^.^, need to get a harness.

You, think of lots of things! Does she let you put her harness on?

I'd imagine u could see what she does if u have her atttached to you and see if she tries flying out?

lol, hopefully the smart ones reply...and make me look stupid.

O wells, good lucks with that!


where are they!

You know, that's a good point. I think they are much more likely to head for the door if they are used to going out through it with you. I haven't noticed that mine search for ways to escape, it seems more likely that it would be a combination of an opportunity suddenly appearing, in combination with being startled by someone walking in or something. But yes, I would think for sure they'd be much more likely to go through the door if they are used to being taken outside.

I agree with this, especially if they enjoy being out there. Ollie loves the bathroom, and sometimes she'll just randomly fly in there even if I'm not in there.

I think another reason birds go out the door is this: When a door opens, a person is either coming in or going out. The bird sees this person, flies to them, and when they get there are either spooked by something they see out the door, or perhaps just overshoot their landing and end up outside. Also, If Ollie flew at a person near an open door, I have to say I'd probably jump up and scream at the person to shut the door- this display of panic would more than likely spook her, stun the person, and perhaps allow her to make it out the door.

This is a good question.

I'm inclined to think, as others have stated, that they would be inclined to go out a door if they're used to going through it on outings. Or if they see one of their persons going out, maybe they're inclined to follow their person? I also think that Camille's idea of a spook combined with a reaction from people would make for a valid escape reason.

I know that my guys don't seem to seek out exits (that doesn't mean that I'm less cautious about this topic!!). Although rarely, we do sometimes enter and exit through our back door (which leads into the garage) when the birds are out. And they've seen us do that, but they've never sought to check out the mud room by the back door.

You bring her outside without a harness? Is she clipped?

Dozy will let me put a harness on her - she's not crazy about it but she lets me. My tiel never. I used to take my tiel outside when she was clipped. She couldn't fly and if when tried she'd flutter to the ground. She wouldn't just fly off my shoulder for no reason, something would have to frightened her.

Thank you. I hope so. Everytime the door opens I'm freaking out.

She is clipped. But she can still get air, kind creepy takeing her out, but usally its into my screened in porch. She loves it!

Well, I don't allow the doors to open if the birds are out. If really needed, someone can go in or out back door, which is far away and out of sight from where the birds are, but the front door is closed and locked. Period.

Same here.