What should a parrot do during playtime?

[lorika]

Hi everyone!

My lorikeet is adorable and I try to let him out of his cage whenever I'm home. However, when he's out, he demands my full attention - gnawing at my book, walking on my keyboard, play-fighting my hand, walking up and down my shoulder and of course pooping all over everything. I can't even have tea because he's so curious he'll stick his head in the cup.

My question is: is this normal, or should a parrot have else something to do outside his cage apart from playing with his owner? I've tried putting him somewhere else for a bit, but he seems to want to be really close to me all the time. It's adorable but I'm not getting anything done [emoji55]

Thanks!

 

[Kyoto]

Following this thread. I feel the same way sometimes! I want to let Kyo out for hours, but sometimes I have housework to do after work too.

 

[Birdman666]

Well... uuummm... have you tried buying him a little skateboard?



Or setting up the birdie basketball perch?



Couldn't find the pics of the birdie bowling alley... (but they do have one.)

 

[lorika]

Hahahahaha, that's adorable!!!!

 

[Birdman666]

Hi everyone!

My lorikeet is adorable and I try to let him out of his cage whenever I'm home. However, when he's out, he demands my full attention - gnawing at my book, walking on my keyboard, play-fighting my hand, walking up and down my shoulder and of course pooping all over everything. I can't even have tea because he's so curious he'll stick his head in the cup.

My question is: is this normal, or should a parrot have else something to do outside his cage apart from playing with his owner? I've tried putting him somewhere else for a bit, but he seems to want to be really close to me all the time. It's adorable but I'm not getting anything done [emoji55]

Thanks!

They have to be taught to self entertain. Otherwise, they will look to their flock mates for entertainment... meaning, you're it.

Putting them somewhere won't work unless they've got things to do there... they get bored after about five minutes and go and seek you out. (Which is why I built the monster playstand.)

But yes, it's pretty much 100% normal.

Try it with one of those big red birds with an overblown sense of entitlement sometime...



Guess who always thinks she's coming with in my household... (and often does.)

 

[Aquila]

Take a toilet paper tube or a paper towel tube, put some in shell peanuts or nutriberries or whatever your bird's favorite treat is, and use some string to tie paper towels or tissue on either end. Push it around a little and see if he goes for it!

You can also do what I do, which is give my birds (especially my amazon) a phonebook to tear up, or an old cardboard box. Check out the DIY toys section for some other toy ideas, and make sure to involve some food to entice them to go for it!

Bonding with your bird is very important, but so is teaching them to amuse themselves so they don't resort to plucking or being self destructive when you're not around, but you really might need to show them how to play.

 

[lorika]

Thanks for all the tips guys I'm gonna make him some toys to play with outside of his cage.