Toys (for birds)

[Texasmujer]

Toys play a picotal role in the physical and mental well-being of your bird, yet are often thought of at the last minute...if at all. Toys help create a challenging and diverse environment and help prevent most negative behavior triggered by boredom.Birds are extremely social and intelligentr animals...especially the larger species such as African Greys and other perrots. These birds need an active environment to keep them happy and healthy. WIthout sufficient stimulation, these bieds can become depressed and demonstrate negative and abnormal behaviors such as biting, screaming, and feather picking. Sometimes birds engaged in this behavior calm
themselves by performing repetitive, complusive actions, such as self-mutilation.

These beautiful parrots are not meant to be admired from a distance only---they need interaction outside their cages. These birds need a period of time in which they can interact and play with their owners.

The time your bird spends while the ownwer (you)is at work
need not be boring. Steps can be taken to make this time as interesting as possible. Consider toys that are challlenging and engaging. Toys can be brightly colored; they can be made from different textures, and materials. They can be hanging toys, or with bells that make different sounds. Some toys involve problem solving skills, or perhaps interacrtive toys, or even toys with puzzle pieces. Who says time alone in the cage has to be lonely and boring? With a little thought, the pet bird's time alone can become stimulating.

Some other ideas include feathers, mirrors, or perches that move up and down...this will provide stimulation. Toys can be rotated so your bird will not become used to the same toys.