Parrot Day is coming up on May 31^st. Our pretty winged friends make very vivacious and fun pets. Polly does need a lot of care and attention, though. In fact, a big part of keeping your feathered buddy happy entails making sure that she has plenty of fun toys to entertain herself with. A local Las Vegas, NV vet offers some advice on parrot entertainment in this article.

Keep Things Fresh

Polly will need plenty of toys. You can buy her playthings, but you can also make them. There are plenty of great DIY options for bird toys you can make out of things like beads, buttons, shower curtain rings, playing cards … the list goes on! The main thing is to change and rotate these toys regularly, so your colorful pal always has something new to play with.

Polly’s Playlist

Birdsong is the oldest type of music, if you think about it. Polly loves to dance, which is really fun to watch. Play different songs for your feathered friend, and see what she likes. Then, incorporate her favorites into a playlist you can turn on when you’re out.

Free Bird

Free Bird may or may not be your winged buddy’s favorite song, but it’s definitely her favorite time of day. Make sure your little buddy has several hours out of her cage every day.

Dance Party

We never get tired of seeing cute videos of birds happily dancing and bopping to their favorite songs. Why not dance with Polly? This is a cute way to have some fun with your pet!

Outdoor Fun

It can be dangerous to let Polly go outdoors, as she could of course fly away. However, you can bring her cage outside when it’s nice. Another option is to make your winged pal an outdoor aviary.

Bird Spa

Birds are quite clean, and they enjoy taking regular baths. Make Polly a little spa by offering a good birdbath. Our feathered companions all have their own tastes on what they do and do not like as far as bathing. Some like baths, while others may prefer a perch in the shower.

Treats

Variety is the spice of life! Offer Polly different types of treats on occasion. Just stick with safe foods. Ask your vet for more information.

Our Advice on Entertaining Your Parrot in 2024

What are some creative ways to keep a parrot entertained?

To keep a parrot entertained, offer a variety of toys, like puzzles, ladders, and chewable items. Engage their intelligence with foraging toys where they can seek treats. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest. Play music and try dancing with your parrot, as many enjoy rhythmic sounds and movement. Create a bird-safe play area outside their cage for exploration. Introduce new objects to stimulate curiosity. Social interaction is crucial, so spend quality time talking and training. Mirrors and bird-safe videos can provide visual stimulation when you’re not around.

How often should you rotate and change a parrot’s toys, and why?

Parrots’ toys should be rotated and changed every few weeks to prevent boredom and stimulate their intellect. Regularly introducing new toys keeps their environment engaging and encourages exploration and play, which are crucial for their mental health. Rotating toys also helps prevent over-attachment to any object and keeps their playtime fresh and exciting. This variety in their environment can reduce stress and destructive behaviors, fostering a happier and healthier parrot.

How much free time outside the cage should a parrot have daily?

Parrots should have several hours of free time outside their cage daily. This out-of-cage time is essential for physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. It helps in preventing boredom and behavioral issues. During this time, ensure the environment is safe and parrot-proofed to avoid accidents. Interaction with their human family during this period is also essential for their social wellbeing. Supervised free time contributes significantly to a parrot’s overall health and happiness.

Why is dancing with your parrot a recommended activity?

Dancing with your parrot is recommended because it’s a fun and interactive way to engage with your pet. Parrots are naturally attracted to rhythmic sounds and movements, so dancing can stimulate their minds and provide physical exercise. This activity strengthens the bond between you and your parrot, as it mimics social behaviors seen in the wild. It also helps in reducing stress and boredom in captive birds. Overall, dancing is an enjoyable way to enrich your parrot’s life and enhance its wellbeing.

What guidelines should be followed when offering treats to a parrot?

When offering treats to a parrot, follow these guidelines: Choose healthy options like fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts appropriate for parrots. Treats should only make up a small portion of their diet, ideally less than 10%. Avoid toxic foods like avocado, chocolate, and caffeine. Offer variety to prevent nutritional imbalances and to keep your parrot interested. Use treats as rewards during training to reinforce positive behavior. Always consult with a vet or a parrot nutrition expert if you need clarification on the safety of a particular food. Responsible giving supports a balanced diet and promotes wellbeing.

Do you have questions about parrot care? Contact us, your Las Vegas, NV pet hospital, today!