How to Play With a Pet Bird

Whether you have a parrot or another type of bird, you can discover your bird’s natural skills and highlight them in play. Observe your bird carefully and think about what games might go with her skill set. Playing will help you learn even more of her skills, so your list of games will just keep expanding!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Harness and leash
• Bird play gym or stand
• Bird toys

If You Have a Parrot or Similar Bird

1. Incorporate toys for interactive play. Try tossing a small toy to your bird, such as a Koosh ball. Some birds will learn how to catch, fetch or toss the toy; others will enjoy just picking it up. Seek out other ways to use small toys, such as handing them to your bird or playing with them yourself. Your bird is sure to join in!

2. Use physical interactions to play. Let your parrot perch on you while you move vigorously through the house. Or try playing with his foot, shaking it gently. Another fun activity for your parrot is mirroring. As you sit with him, watch for a physical activity that you could mirror in your own body, like a head bob. After he notices what you are doing, see if he will mirror you!

3. Take your parrot for walks or rides. Use a harness and leash made for your bird’s size. Most parrots enjoy new experiences, so riding a bike or walking with your bird on leash will be fun for you both.

4. Talk and laugh with your parrot. They love the sound of their owner’s voices, and especially love laughter. Of course, parrots will add their own voices to playtime as well!

5. Provide toys for your bird when he is alone. A bird play gym or stand and a variety of toys for solitary play will ensure that he can be as playful as he wants–even when you aren’t able to play.
   
   

If You Have a Finch or Other Type of Bird

6. Know that some ways of playing with parrots will work with your pet bird as well. Based on your observations about her personality, try any of the parrot play approaches with her.

7. Try a game of chase. Exercise out of a cage is important for the well-being of any bird, and smaller birds especially enjoy flying about the house. Make this flight time into a game by encouraging your bird to chase you. Then, try chasing him!

8. Spend quiet playtime together. As long as they are hand tamed, smaller birds enjoy spending time on their person’s lap or on a shoulder. Interact with your bird, petting her lightly.

9. Research toys specific to your bird. Toys exist for some species, such as play gyms for parakeets. Other species, such as finches, tend not to interact with toys. If you find a species-appropriate toy for your bird, invest in it!

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat the same games with your parrot so she can develop her skills, rather than trying to include too many different kinds of games. As she masters one game, add another to the list!
• Try out the harness and leash inside before you take your bird for a walk. Make adjustments to ensure that he is safe and comfortable.
• Be sure all windows and doors are securely fastened when you play with your bird!