Tired of the same old same old? You and your parrot have a wonderful relationship: you're comfortable with each other and you want to be together... But how do you keep each other interested and excited and the games fresh?
Enough nodding at each other while your parrot is on a perch and you're on your phone. It’s time to find some new ways to play! Before introducing anything new and different, go slowly and be sure to observe your parrot’s reaction at each step. Always make sure a new venue is safely bird-proofed.The goal is fun, never to experience an ounce or a second of fear.
Below are several suggestions to try or modify. And if you and your parrot invent your own games, please share them with us! 1.A New View The simplest way to change things up is to take your parrot into a room seldom visited. Show the bird the view from a new window while you point out the sights.
OR
Put a fresh sheet on the floor or bed and strew with clean non-toxic flowers, leaves, wood to chew, small boxes, or new toys. Watch what your parrot selects, rejects, shares with you....
2.Perfect Preening Grooming is a natural bonding activity for parrots. Remember you want to bond as pals, not mates. For quiet together-time, work on your preening skills. Limit touching to head and jaw scratches. Preen those head feathers your parrot can’t reach...as long as the activity and the touch is tolerated.
3.Play Catch or Fetch Not all parrots are ready to throw an object, but it sure seems to come naturally to many, if not most, cockatoos. Good tossing toys include a whiffle ball, a small chunk of wood, or a wadded up sheet of paper. Start by simply dropping the ball from about a foot above your parrot’s head, so it lands near the bird's feet. That may be all it takes for your parrot to pick it up and give it a throw. Your job is to try to catch it and toss it back.
If your parrot isn’t interested in throwing, try rolling or sliding the ball a few inches away from where the bird stands on a table. If your parrot retrieves the toy and carries it back to you, or at least in your direction, reward the achievement with a treat and/or dramatic excited praise.
4.Sand Box Make a small sandbox so your parrot can experience a new talon sensation while digging for small toys or treats. If you use real sand, know that not all sand sold for children’s play areas is safe. Look for sand free of asbestos, lead, and crystalline silica dust.
Better yet, use a dry grain such as whole wheat or cracked corn. Pay close attention to be sure your parrot isn’t eating a lot of the “sand.” Store it in a jar for reuse as long as it remains clean and dry. Get rid of it if it becomes damp to avoid mold.
5.Hide ‘n’ seek On a table place a square of fabric or paper, or a small lightweight lid or cup. Let your parrot see you hide a favorite piece of nut or seed under the square. If the bird finds the treat, praise and then increase the complexity by placing several concealed goodies on the table. Does your parrot go right to the treasure?
You can try variations on “the shell game” by hiding one or more treats and then moving the covered goodies around.
6.Carnival rides If your parrot is partial to physical activity, turn yourself into a fun fair. With your bird securely on your hand, slowly sway the bird in a 180 degree arc, mimicking the motion of a playground swing. Some birds may choose to hang by their feet on this ride. So that the bird knows what to expect, give an enthusiastic cheer – such as “Swing! Swing!”
If your parrot likes this motion, graduate to the Ferris wheel ride by swinging your hand in a full, big vertical circle, saying “all the way around!” It's important for your parrot to feel secure but not trapped by your hand or finger hold.
7.Peekaboo
Play this traditional human baby game with your parrot. Block your parrot’s view with a washcloth, saying, “Where’s Bingo?” Lower the cloth with an enthusiastic, “There you are!” With some birds, you can drop the towel on them as they stand on a solid surface, and then lift it off. Your parrot may learn to burrow under the towel all on its own.
8.Music
Share recorded music or play an instrument or sing. Don’t limit yourself to your favorite music genres. Your parrot may have different tastes. If your parrot gets excited by Swiss yodeling, try to learn to like it...and parrot it yourself!
9.Dance
You can dance around while your bird dances on its perch or a table. Or you and your bird can dance together. It's a fun rhythmic exercise for both of you.
10.Obstacle course Teach your parrot to walk the length of a large/long table to come to you. You can use a lure or a cue like a toy or treat. Once the parrot has the idea, make it more difficult by adding obstacles. Gradually work up to a challenging maze requiring your parrot to walk between and around boxes, over pillows, or through tunnels. As always, make sure no item is hazardous.
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