Health & Care
For the Birds Parrot Rescue & Sanctuary
Enrichment ...
This is a really BIG area for discussion. Enrichment is all about improving and enhancing the quality of life for your parrot. Imagine moving from an expansive estate into a small one room apartment. Well that's kind of what we have done to parrots.
Let me explain ...
In their natural environment parrots have free range of woodlands, rainforests, palm forests, savannas, grasslands, desert edges, or scrublands. They enjoy the company of a large flock of their own kind where they experience all the joys, excitement and rewards of social interaction.
When removed from their natural environment, they are put in 'isolation' much like humans are experiencing right now with the COVID-19 virus shelter-in-place orders. I think now more than ever we can identify, but imagine how it feels ... not only to be a social creature who is isolated, but also to (likely) not have your own kind with whom you can interact!
Consider your parrot's existence from this perspective and re-evaluate the environment that they live in day after day. Try to make improvements to give them a higher quality of life. This section is here to provide you with some ideas on how you can make your parrot's life more rewarding... you can't do all of them but do as much as you can.
Outside in the Aviary
Inside Community Trees
Creative Corner
Enrichment, to me, is one of the fun parts of parrot ownership because you get to use your creativity to transform a 'captive' environment into an enriching life. Here are some links for adding creative items to your bird's life.
As always, not everything is safe for your bird so do your research!
Add a little nature with live browse:
Add safe potted plants and water features to your outside aviary. Put in tree stands, nets to climb on, swings, toys and foraging opportunities!
How about a community browse option? This gives a multi-bird family the experience of flock eating.
How about a Java Root jungle gym in a larger cage for a smaller bird. Lots of area for toys and foraging stash ... just make sure the cage isn't too cluttered.
Larger birds need LOTS to chew. These large blocks are easy to make; use stainless steel chain to put them together and a secure clip to mount to the top of the cage
Of course most of us can't do THIS but you can get inspiration from it. Do you have a bird room that you could add some features to and make it more 'jungle like'?
Even a box of fresh seeding grasses will add some enrichment... be sure there nothing sprayed on this fresh browse.