What are some fun things we do for our birds?
All parrot species need adequate stimulation. Just like us, they can get bored very easily! Studies (and history itself) have shown that a parrot without mental stimulation can become prone to behavioral/emotional problems (i.e. feather plucking, mutilation, screaming, biting, etc.). So we try to keep our birds happy and healthy, both physically and mentally! Here are some ideas of what we like to do here, and maybe you can incorporate some of these into your activities (or heck, shoot us an email and give us more ideas!).
1. Foraging
(Kirby foraging through the coffee filter)
In the wild, parrots flock for miles in search for food on a daily basis. They do not wake up and hobble over to their food dish and stick their head in it to get lunch like they do in a home setting (this isn't bad, just making a comparison!). A lot of behavioral issues could stem from simple boredom when it comes to food. So we like to create foraging opportunities to further flex their search for a meal. Make them "work" for it, so to speak!
We have a number of ways to do this. The first is the cheapest- wrapping a coffee filter over a favorite treat (perhaps a Nutriberry) and twisting it closed. It didn't take long for our birds to catch onto it once they bit a hole in the bottom and a seed fell out! You can see Kirby chewing open a coffee filter foraging toy on the left.
The main point of this toy is to show you that there are very simple and inexpensive ways to create foraging activities. You just need to make sure they are bird-safe materials, and get a little creative!
We have a number of ways to do this. The first is the cheapest- wrapping a coffee filter over a favorite treat (perhaps a Nutriberry) and twisting it closed. It didn't take long for our birds to catch onto it once they bit a hole in the bottom and a seed fell out! You can see Kirby chewing open a coffee filter foraging toy on the left.
The main point of this toy is to show you that there are very simple and inexpensive ways to create foraging activities. You just need to make sure they are bird-safe materials, and get a little creative!
Another example of a foraging technique is store-bought foraging toys. I purchased this one (pictured to the right with Lonnie) from Drs Foster and Smith. They have all kinds of awesome foraging toys on that site. Just make sure they are size appropriate for whatever bird you will be purchasing them for. We have other foraging toys in different cages, but this one is a favorite because it's primarily for Nutriberries.
2. Toys!
(Ratchet playing with a foot toy)
Toys are a main contribution to the happiness of a well cared for parrot. It's how they spend their time when you're too busy. They need to be entertained, and luckily the bird industry is picking up and we are seeing a HUGE boom in toy production. There are so many stores and sites to choose from these days, and now there are ways to make your own! There are so many different types, and some species do better with one type than another. But I've found that green cheeks like pretty much anything under the sun!
A. Shreddable/destructible toys: These toys are made to be destroyed. They provide an outlet for a bird's natural tendency to chew things. Toys that fall under this category consist of tanned leather, wicker, paper, and light woods (balsa, for example). Here are some examples: Toy 1, Toy 2, Toy 3. Toy 4, Toy 5.
B. Foot toys: Many green cheeks are fans of jingle balls (like the kind you give to your cat). They give them something to chase around and pounce on. Smaller foot toys are great because they can bring them places and literally "throw" them around. Here are some examples: Toy 1, Toy 2, Toy 3.
C. Rope/preening/climbing toys: Toys in this category are made with rope material. There are even perches made out of rope that are great for their feet. Green cheeks are definitely fans of the ropey-type toys. They are great for climbing, preening, hanging from, fighting with, you name it. I have many ropes strung around and hung from random areas, and I guarantee you one of my green cheeks will be hanging from it at any given moment. Also to be considered are swings and ladders- a big plus for any conure. Here are some examples: Toy 1, Toy 2, Toy 3, Toy 4, Toy 5, Toy 6. These are a little more expensive, and I like to get the larger sized toys because they can climb all over them.
D. Mental enrichment/puzzles: The puzzle-type toys kind of fall under the category of foraging toys as well. Most puzzles are the best when they end with a reward of some sort (which ties in the foraging concept). Here are some examples that we use: Drs. Foster & Smith
E. "The Other Guy" /bell toys: I consider longer toys with bells on the end to be "The Other Guy" toys because they always end up getting the most attention. Most green cheeks will pick a toy with a rope substance and a bell as a cuddle buddy if they are kept alone. It serves as their friend to cuddle up to if you're gone and also ends up taking a good beating if he's in a spicy mood. Here are some examples: Toy 1, Toy 2, Toy 3, Toy 4, Toy 5.
A. Shreddable/destructible toys: These toys are made to be destroyed. They provide an outlet for a bird's natural tendency to chew things. Toys that fall under this category consist of tanned leather, wicker, paper, and light woods (balsa, for example). Here are some examples: Toy 1, Toy 2, Toy 3. Toy 4, Toy 5.
B. Foot toys: Many green cheeks are fans of jingle balls (like the kind you give to your cat). They give them something to chase around and pounce on. Smaller foot toys are great because they can bring them places and literally "throw" them around. Here are some examples: Toy 1, Toy 2, Toy 3.
C. Rope/preening/climbing toys: Toys in this category are made with rope material. There are even perches made out of rope that are great for their feet. Green cheeks are definitely fans of the ropey-type toys. They are great for climbing, preening, hanging from, fighting with, you name it. I have many ropes strung around and hung from random areas, and I guarantee you one of my green cheeks will be hanging from it at any given moment. Also to be considered are swings and ladders- a big plus for any conure. Here are some examples: Toy 1, Toy 2, Toy 3, Toy 4, Toy 5, Toy 6. These are a little more expensive, and I like to get the larger sized toys because they can climb all over them.
D. Mental enrichment/puzzles: The puzzle-type toys kind of fall under the category of foraging toys as well. Most puzzles are the best when they end with a reward of some sort (which ties in the foraging concept). Here are some examples that we use: Drs. Foster & Smith
E. "The Other Guy" /bell toys: I consider longer toys with bells on the end to be "The Other Guy" toys because they always end up getting the most attention. Most green cheeks will pick a toy with a rope substance and a bell as a cuddle buddy if they are kept alone. It serves as their friend to cuddle up to if you're gone and also ends up taking a good beating if he's in a spicy mood. Here are some examples: Toy 1, Toy 2, Toy 3, Toy 4, Toy 5.
3. Trick Training
(Kirby waving his foot hello)
I could write a day's worth of reasons why trick training is so important to the well being of both parrot and person. But I will give you the short hand version for time's sake! Trick training provides a fantastic bridge for communication between you and your bird. It gives everyone involved a sense of accomplishment and helps you to understand just how intelligent your bird really is. Green cheeks are hard workers in this sense and mine will do anything for a bite of almond. I like to trick train most babies the basic "wave hello" before they go home, as this gives them a head start. The first actual trick training session activates a part of the brain that tells them "action = reward" (basic operant conditioning). And from there, they understand that if they want that treat, they have to that task for you. The first trick is the hardest to learn, but after that, they catch on very quickly. One of my late pet green cheeks (RIP Kirby) could wave hello, turn in a circle, do a flip around the perch, take a bow, bob his head, and give me a kiss on command. He was also recall and target trained. Interestingly, he learned all these tricks in a fourth of the time it took my African Grey!
4. Bathing
(Dorian bathing under the faucet)
I have yet to find a green cheek who isn't obsessed with water. Most I know will dive under the faucet or into a bowl (sometimes even a cup if they can!) at any chance they can get. I give my breeder birds a big, deep dish of water to bathe in at least every other day, and all pets and babies a running faucet for an hour to come and go as they please. This is one of my favorite activities. In my bathroom I will run the faucet on lukewarm and there is always an immediate rush for them to see who can get in first. The whole counter (and myself) will be drenched within the first couple of minutes as they splash, flap, and soak themselves under the stream. During this hour-long session, many individuals will drench themselves, fly up to a rail to preen, and then return to the water numerous times before deciding they are satisfied. I have known green cheeks to completely submerse themselves in a bowl of water, so it's still important to supervise. This is one of the reasons I like water bottles in the cage. Bathing is important for feather quality, cleanliness, maintaining proper foot quality, and just plain ol' fun. You've never known a water lover until you've met a green cheek. Also, time of day isn't a factor for an indoor bird. Although I don't recommend it, you could offer a bath at 4:00 am and chances are they wouldn't say no.
5. Harness training
(Dorian in his Aviator)
A long time ago, someone decided to invent dog leashes. Then came cat leashes. Then lizard leashes. And now finally, FINALLY, birds have leashes too. Naturally, they are of a different shape and body style. Avian harnesses are designed to fit snugly over a bird's body without restricting movement. They enable an owner to take their bird outside and not have to worry about it flying away (even clipped birds can go quite the distance, and a flighted bird is virtually lost if spooked). Harnesses primarily come in two different forms:
1. Aviator Harness (practically escape-proof)
2. Flight suit (keeps the poop off of you... And comes in many different styles)
1. Aviator Harness (practically escape-proof)
2. Flight suit (keeps the poop off of you... And comes in many different styles)
6. Happy huts - Chubes - Sleep logs - Sleep boxes - Sleep cages - And other alternatives
(click pictures to enlarge)
(Green cheeks and Ratchet in a sleep box)
Safety and comfort during sleep are just as important for your bird as they are for you! We implement every element listed in the title there, each ultimately serving the same purpose (sleep, comfort, and safety) but varying enough to suit each individual. Green cheeks are notorious fans of the ever-popular Happy hut (see the picture Above Left) or anything snuggly for that matter. There are, however, many circulations of birds strangling themselves with loose threads in said Happy huts... So use wisely at your own discretion.
1. Happy huts are essentially fleece sewed together into a "tent" format. I preferred to make these myself for a while and tailored them to buyers' requests (certain colors, designs, fabrics, etc). Since 2009 I have stopped making them though, as the horror stories from other owners have scared me out of continuing them.
2. Chubes (Above Middle picture) are on the rise for many bird hobbyists. Made of sturdy cardboard, they are pipe-shaped and destructible, cozy, cost-effective, and easy to assemble. Sizes range from Small (parrotlet sized), Medium (conure sized), to Large (African Grey sized). I drilled two holes in mine and attached nuts, bolts, and washers to secure it to the side of the cage. It takes a strong beak to demolish the cardboard though, and I've found that Chubes will last a long time in a conure cage. Ratchet and Dorian love running in and out like little hamsters, or just hanging out for some relaxation. Chubes are found in the "small animal" (AKA hamster/ferret) section of Petsmart/Petco, or you can order them online.
3. Sleep logs are still relatively new in aviculture. In fact, I only know of one store in Oklahoma that sells them, not sure if they ship. These are a big hit for green cheeks (see Above Right picture of 6 conures stuffed into one for the night!). Many other species take enjoyment in the logs as well- caiques, cockatoos, amazons, and macaws to name a few (the sized and prices range enormously). They are made of real, non-treated, non-toxic wood hollows, so the birds have the real experience of living inside of a tree. Well... Not exactly. But you get what I mean.
4. Sleep boxes can be assembled at home, as I do not think they are commercially sold. Marcy Covault of Feathered Companions Aviary makes them for all of her birds. Essentially, they are nest boxes with one open side. This prevents hormonal behavior that the dark interior of a real nest box would create, as light is still allowed in; but the bird is also provided with a comfortable retreat in the evening. This is Ratchet and Dorian's main roost for the night.
5. Sleep cages are another method altogether. Rather than letting the bird sleep in its "day" cage, many owners (myself included) will move the bird to a smaller "sleep cage" away from the traffic of the main cage. For example, all of my pet birds are out in my living room during the day. When it comes time for bed, I take Jack (Congo Grey) and Delilah (Goffin's cockatoo) to their sleep cages in the bedroom. There, I will cover them up with cotton towels and turn the lights off. Since they are "single" birds (meaning, they do not have parrot companions or mates), coming to the bed with me sort of fills in that gap of going to roost with the flock in the wild. Jack actually looks forward to it and will whine at me if I keep him up too late!
6. Other alternatives for roosting have been generated by bird enthusiasts internationally. Ideas consist of the Snuggle Sack, Cozy Corner, Bird Tent, Pekaboo Perch, Sleepy Teepee, Birdie Tent Playhouse, and many others. Even some Ferret Sleepers are preferred by some parrots!
1. Happy huts are essentially fleece sewed together into a "tent" format. I preferred to make these myself for a while and tailored them to buyers' requests (certain colors, designs, fabrics, etc). Since 2009 I have stopped making them though, as the horror stories from other owners have scared me out of continuing them.
2. Chubes (Above Middle picture) are on the rise for many bird hobbyists. Made of sturdy cardboard, they are pipe-shaped and destructible, cozy, cost-effective, and easy to assemble. Sizes range from Small (parrotlet sized), Medium (conure sized), to Large (African Grey sized). I drilled two holes in mine and attached nuts, bolts, and washers to secure it to the side of the cage. It takes a strong beak to demolish the cardboard though, and I've found that Chubes will last a long time in a conure cage. Ratchet and Dorian love running in and out like little hamsters, or just hanging out for some relaxation. Chubes are found in the "small animal" (AKA hamster/ferret) section of Petsmart/Petco, or you can order them online.
3. Sleep logs are still relatively new in aviculture. In fact, I only know of one store in Oklahoma that sells them, not sure if they ship. These are a big hit for green cheeks (see Above Right picture of 6 conures stuffed into one for the night!). Many other species take enjoyment in the logs as well- caiques, cockatoos, amazons, and macaws to name a few (the sized and prices range enormously). They are made of real, non-treated, non-toxic wood hollows, so the birds have the real experience of living inside of a tree. Well... Not exactly. But you get what I mean.
4. Sleep boxes can be assembled at home, as I do not think they are commercially sold. Marcy Covault of Feathered Companions Aviary makes them for all of her birds. Essentially, they are nest boxes with one open side. This prevents hormonal behavior that the dark interior of a real nest box would create, as light is still allowed in; but the bird is also provided with a comfortable retreat in the evening. This is Ratchet and Dorian's main roost for the night.
5. Sleep cages are another method altogether. Rather than letting the bird sleep in its "day" cage, many owners (myself included) will move the bird to a smaller "sleep cage" away from the traffic of the main cage. For example, all of my pet birds are out in my living room during the day. When it comes time for bed, I take Jack (Congo Grey) and Delilah (Goffin's cockatoo) to their sleep cages in the bedroom. There, I will cover them up with cotton towels and turn the lights off. Since they are "single" birds (meaning, they do not have parrot companions or mates), coming to the bed with me sort of fills in that gap of going to roost with the flock in the wild. Jack actually looks forward to it and will whine at me if I keep him up too late!
6. Other alternatives for roosting have been generated by bird enthusiasts internationally. Ideas consist of the Snuggle Sack, Cozy Corner, Bird Tent, Pekaboo Perch, Sleepy Teepee, Birdie Tent Playhouse, and many others. Even some Ferret Sleepers are preferred by some parrots!