A cage, a few toys, seeds … Is it enough to Keep Your Parrot Happy? Not at all.
Psittacidae are tame animals whose ethological needs are more complex than many owners imagine.
When unsuitable conditions favor Feather Picking and other diseases, how can you provide your bird with an environment that is conducive to its happiness? to Keep Your Parrot Happy?
Understanding the parrot in nature
Whatever species and country in which they live naturally, parrots are diurnal, social and territorial animals, which live in groups of different sizes, ranging from pairs to hundreds of birds.
They spend between 4 and 6 hours a day looking for food, which makes them spend a great physical energy, but also cognitive, since the fodder makes it possible to stimulate their brain.
The toilet also takes a lot of time during the day of a parrot since the latter devotes between 2 and 4 hours.
An activity that limits parasitism and maintains the plumage, thus ensuring communication with congeners and thermal regulation.
Areas of the body that are difficult to access are cleaned by another parrot: grooming also strengthens the social bond.
Exchanges with the other individuals in the group, who represent around 10 to 40% of the waking time of psittacidae.
The rest of the day is dotted with naps, swimming, games and nibbles, and some vocalizations (2 to 5% of the time).
How to make your parrot happy?
The happiness of a psittacid does not depend on human considerations, but on the behavior closest to that which the bird would have naturally.
It is therefore necessary to adapt the environment for its well-being:
– The parrot must satisfy its social needs
Either by the adoption of several individuals, or by devoting time and a lot of attention to it: human / bird activities, sound stimulation, feather care, etc.
– The day / night cycles of the bird must be respected
Do not leave it in a room where the light stays on for a good part of the night without it being able to escape and let it sleep.
The animal must be able to benefit from natural light during the day.
– The cage must be large:
the parrot must be able to move, extend the wings, play, roost, hide, etc.
It should be placed high up, with hiding areas ,(ideal in the event of stress or to take a nap during the day away from light).
– It is essential to make the living space of the parrot a space for play and activity
Especially in the absence of the owner
Placing multiple food dispensers, hiding treats, offering foods to shell can be part of the foraging and avoid boredom.
Games can also be added, as well as a small basin for possible swimming.
– Limit the changes or introduce them gradually
Parrots are generally anxious about what is unknown to them, be it a new place to live, new birds, new games, etc.
– The food must be suitable and not too fatty
Pay particular attention to sunflower seeds.
Parrots are very sensitive to stress, often caused by an unsuitable environment. These living conditions have a negative effect on the health and lifespan of the animals concerned: this results in diseases, pecking and an increase in vocalizations.
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