Some birds never have their cage covered while others have their cage covered at night. A cage cover should not be used as punishment or for extended periods of time outside of sleeping hours. Toys Toys should be plentiful and alternated. They are what will occupy the bird through the largest part of the day while the owners are gone. Small birds like small, lightweight toys and tiny mirrors.
Larger birds like to manipulate toys with their beak, tongue, and feet.
Birds will chew their toys so choose items made from nontoxic wood or hardened plastic. Check the toys daily for damage. Rotating the toys every several days to a week will help keep the bird interested in the toys. A bored bird is at high risk for behavioral and health problems. Finding toys that are favorites will entail trial and error.