Tame birds should be let out of their enclosure regularly, to help maintain their fitness and avoid becoming overweight.
Additionally, choose and enclosure or aviary that allows your bird to fully stretch out and fly from side to side, as this will also encourage them to exercise their natural behaviours.
How to Handle Your Bird
If you would like to handle your bird, start the process slowly. Birds stress very easily, so you’ll need to be patient.
Sit by their enclosure for a while without doing anything, before putting food through the bars and talking to your bird. After a few days, gradually open the enclosure door and put your hand in with food. Eventually your bird should step onto your finger.
If your bird is not tame and you must catch it, place a towel (for large parrots) or a handkerchief (for small parrots, finches and canaries) over your bird and move it quickly to where it needs to go.
Tip
Dim lights calm birds and make catching them easier.
Toys for Birds
To keep your bird from becoming bored and most likely chewing their enclosure to pieces, it is important to provide him with a variety of bird toys to play with and gnaw on.
Toys provide your bird with entertainment and enrichment. You will see your feathered family member’s personality flourish, which will strengthen the bond you share.
If your bird lives alone, adding a bird toy that also has a mirror will help him feel less lonely. Shiny toys bring out your bird’s imagination whilst toys that are designed to be shredded are great for stimulation. There are many different bird toys available, so make sure you grab a variety!
Tip
Have a variety of toys available, only giving your bird two or three at a time. Rotate them regularly as your bird will become bored of them very quickly.