Cage Necessities
Your bird's cage should be much larger than they are to give them plenty of wing room and flight room to keep exercising their muscles. Enclosures should be equipped with natural wood perches and toys to help them explore their need to chew and forage. Stainless steel bowls are a great and sanitary way to feed your bird, and they are super easy to clean. Toys provided are best if they are eco friendly, natural and without harmful dyes or materials!
Life Outside the Cage
Birds should get at least a few hours outside the cage daily to explore and fly around the house or any large enclosures. You can hang toys and perches around the house on play stands to create an enriching environment for your birds while they are out. However, cage time is crucial while cooking or working with hot and unsafe items to maintain safety.
What Products to Avoid in Your Birds Home
When assembling cages and play areas, avoid pedi-perches or sand perches (they cause blisters and foot irritation), dyed cuttlebone/calcium (it usually contains artificial substances if it's colored, and your bird may not be lacking calcium so it will cause harm if you are overfeeding it), Mirrors (causes stress and anxiety), dowel rods (these will not exercise your bird's feet and may cause injury), Huts and tents (causes hormonal issues in protecting of the nest), and lastly, rope toys (causes impactions in ingested).
Foraging
Why is Foraging So Important? How do I do it?
Foraging will keep your bird mentally engaged and stimulated which will benefit them in many ways! This activity can prevent boredom and aid in a growing happiness as their energy has places to go. In the wild, birds naturally forage to find food and things to eat along the ground especially. This trait is present in pet parrots as well and should be engaged with for mental stimulation. Foraging can be done with things such as treats in crinkled paper, food on a kabob, or even using dog puzzle feeders!
