For example every time my Yellow - naped Amazon Parrot Delbert is out of his cage I rotate out old toys and put in different ones. This can happen several times a day. This means every time my bird enters his cage something fun and interesting is waiting for him. This helps reinforce going back into the cage when asked. I keep a nice supply of toys on hand to make sure there is lots of variety. Having worked in zoos for many years I also take advantage of an old zoo enrichment favourite?non toxic browse.
To make containers interesting add some larger river rock (check your home improvement stores for these) and include seeds, nuts, beads of various sizes and textures, pine cones, grains (wheat, spelt and kamut are great!), paper balls (large and small) and anything else your bird might like to hunt for (remember to hide some "stuff" in the paper balls too). Once full with enriching items, heavy containers may need to be placed on the bottom of the cage instead of hung. Another idea is to use shredded paper in a basket.
As we can see from the illustration, Parrot Enrichment Ideas For Home has many fascinating aspects to explore.
- Foraging activities dont always have to be food-based either. You can drill holes in a PVC tube and stuff it with popsicle sticks that your parrot has to dig out, place beads and buttons in a box, or make a wreath out of leather strips or cotton that your feathered friend has to unravel. One of the most important ways that you can provide your parrot with enrichment is to make their home feel like a home.
- Some other things you may want to do/try: Real estate agent - take the parrot on a walking tour of the home, showing rooms, windows, mirrors, etc. Do it periodically so they stay oriented Pass the potato - gather the family and play pass the potato with the parrot, each member holding him for ...
- ... When these natural behaviors are encouraged, parrots are usually calmer, healthier, and more engaged with their environment. One of the easiest parrot enrichment ideas is simply rotating toys.
