We all have heard that parrots need toys and fun interaction
(
games
)
with theirhuman companions, but why? What purpose does play serve in a parrot’s life? Many of us do not stop and think about the beneficial aspects of play and what behavioralpurpose that it can serve. Many do not realize that the answers to the “behavioralissues” they are experiencing with their parrot could be solved through play and toys.
What is a toy?
Quite simply, a toy is a tool that harnesses wild instinctual behaviors. It allows thebehavior of a parrot to adapt so that it is suitable for life in a human home. To thatend, there are several types of toys that a parrot needs, all serving different purposes.
What are the types of toys
(
and games
)
and what purpose do they serve?
There are 6 categories of toys and interactive play:1.
Foraging toys and activities2.
Destructable toys and destruction activities3.
Preening toys and activities4.
Athletic toys and activities5.
Manipulative toys and activities6.
Interactive toys and activities
Foraging:
In the wild, birds spend 6
-
8 hours a day foraging for food and interesting things todo. In our human homes
(
in the quest to provide everything a parrot wants or needs
)
, we chuck food into an easy to get to dish. Where’s the challenge in that?Our parrots are highly intelligent social creatures that prefer to work for their food. Just as a human gets fulfillment from meaningful work
-
so does a parrot! Offering myriad challenges to get food, treats, and fun toys is a great way to give your bird a meaningful “job”.Studies show that parrots and other intelligent creatures prefer to work for food,even when that same food is offered “for free”. They wish to earn their rewards andhave meaning in their lives
-
so let’s start giving it to them!
Destruction:
It has been said that parrots are natures’ composters. They make a career out of destroying wood and other items in the quest to create nests and sleeping cavities, toeat the best foods, and have the most fun. Further, parrots need to slough off partsof the beak and nails from time to time through active use so that they do notbecome overgrown. Destruction is the easy way to provide that opportunity.Different sized beaks need different textures and items to shred, however. A largerMacaw or Cockatoo beak needs harder wood and lots of it, while a Cockatiel orBudgie needs soft woods
(
balsa, for example
)
, palm, or thin wicker. They still need todestroy, we just need to accommodate their need with the appropriate material. No2 x 4 for a parrotlet, OK?
Preening:
Feather maintenance takes up a third of waking hours for a wild bird, and no wonder!Keeping those feathers clean and functional ensure a bird’s survival. Take away a healthy routine
(
one that balanced with a meaningful job, daily play, and healthy habits
)
and plumage is often the first thing to go in a companion parrot.
(
Featherdestructive behaviors are more common in human kept birds than in the wild.
)
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