My caique finally said their first word!!!

I literally cried. After two to three weeks of patient work, Paco finally came out of the cage on their own today. I know it sounds small but if you've been through the bonding process with a nervous bird you know how HUGE this is. Never give up, it's so worth it.

Reading this hit home. My caique went through the same phase around the same age. What helped us was using a shower perch so they can bathe with warm mist. Also just accepting that birds are gonna bird, you know?

Update: took everyone's advice and things are improving. Gizmo is slowly coming around. This forum is the best.