Introducing toys/teaching play?

[HisAngel]

So, I met a U2 yesterday with some feather picking issues, and I noticed that she had very few toys, and the ones she did have were really old, and obviously not at all interesting to her. I brought some toys with me to the visit and she had NO interest in them at all. Whether that was normal or just because it was me I dont know, but I have a feeling she doesnt really know to play much.

So, how does one encourage play with a bird? Ive made a bunch of foraging and interactive toys for her, and have a bunch of foot toys. I just need to figure out how to encourage her to play if she comes home with us.

 

[JennyB]

I am certainly no expert, but it has been my experience that it just takes time and patience to get our bird to try new toys... and she knows and trusts us!

Earlier this week I placed 2 new foraging/grooming toys in the bottom of her cage. She completely ignored them (along with her food dish) so lesson learned. I moved them, placing the "coin wrapper" up top, and tying the "shoe" outside to her poopoo perch... a couple days later she tried the coin toy, and suddenly today she loves her purple shoe treat! Who knows what goes on in her little brain, so for us it's just trial and error. Good luck!

 

[HisAngel]

Hehe such a cute pic!! Thanks for replying, here's hoping Rosa takes to the toys we've made for her. Hehe

 

[BirdyMomma]

I'm the jerk that spends $60 a week at the craft store, and HOURS cutting cardboard into cute shapes. The same dork with multi colored fingertips from dyeing wood parts at home, and who diligently combs over every store bought used toy for salvageable parts........... And my birds LAUGH at me. I sit there for hours, stringing the cutest little muffin wrappers, in cute little designs, with wooden beads and cardboard, and matching pony beads, so each toy looks appealing. I regularly make myself LATE TO WORK, because I just cannot leave the house, without a gift for my babies!
And it's humiliating! I will slowly approach the cage, with my latest creation, almost timidly- groveling, with whatever sure to be snubbed, pathetic creation I've come up with this time. Invariably, I'm met with indifference (usual) or indignation. The toy may be snatched, and immediately tossed to the bottom of the cage, and I can almost hear "How DARE you sully my space with that home made piece of recycled craft failure, masquerading as a gift!"
Seriously. They hate my stuff. I don't understand it. I'm EXTREMELY handy. I can knit, paint, draw, hang dry wall, lay a wood floor, I can sew you an outfit...in LEATHER. They completely reject my work...... I'm going to have to cut my ear off, and send it to Knuckles. I give up.

 

[MikeyTN]

LoL@Birdymomma

I can do all but knit or draw....if I really want to I can make their toys but I'm too lazy as I buy them already made....

 

[HisAngel]

HaaaHahahaha oh man. I really hope Rosa likes ours. Beahaha

 

[Terry57]

Michele, I almost fell out of my chair reading your post...Oh my gosh, they can definitely make us feel inadequate..lol. I can only imagine what my guys would think of my creations when I get the nerve to make something.

Half the time they look at the toys I buy like that