How to Play With a Large Parrot

Parrots are extremely intelligent birds which need a lot of stimulation to be healthy and happy. Additionally, parrots are social birds, meaning that they love to interact and play with the human members of the family. If you own a large parrot, a few hints can help you out with playtime.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Puzzle toys
• Cardboard or natural wood
• Perch
• Bath towel
• Cardboard box
• Newspaper
• Shiny utensil

1. Keep your parrot happy and occupied in it's cage by alternating toys regularly. Large birds such as parrots have very active minds and will need some puzzle toys which you can purchase at your local pet store. Instead of adding all the toys to the cage at once, add one at a time and change it weekly. Additionally, you can place non-toxic materials such as cardboard or natural wood which they can play with and shred to pieces each day.
2. Hang a perch in your bathroom and let your parrot enjoy your daily rituals, which to them is a form of play. Parrots understand grooming, such as brushing your teeth and combing your hair and will get a kick out of watching. Additionally, the warm steam of the shower is soothing to parrots as they are tropical birds.
3. Place your parrot on a table and sit in a chair, resting your head in your arms. Cover your head with a towel and watch your parrot look for you. He will come running to the towel, lift the edge and crawl under with you.
4. Stimulate your parrot and get her playing by placing a bunch of newspaper in a cardboard box. The parrot will hop into the box and begin to shred the newspaper in complete delight. When she is completely absorb in her activity, tap the edge of the box with a shiny item, such as a spoon or ladle. Watch your parrot become enthralled, bobbing her head up and down and clacking.

Tips & Warnings

• Parrots don't like to play much when they begin to molt, so simply sit and talk to them gently, allowing him some time to rest.
• Parrots see in UV color and are stimulated by color and shine. Always introduce new toys to your parrot slowly, as they may become frightened.
• In the wild, parrots shred wood and other items to create nests inside of trees. This is why they love to shred paper, wood and cardboard. Remember that if your parrot is shredding items around the house that this is a natural parrot instinct. It is your responsibility as owner to parrot-proof your home.