The cage environment alone may not fulfill the instinctive need for activity in these intelligent animals. A bird kept in a cage without stimuli may develop behavior abnormalities such as feather picking, screaming, or throwing food. Most birds are flock oriented and you and your family are your bird's flock. Locate the bird cage near family activity to allow this interaction. Freedom - As appropriate to the species and degree of training, birds benefit from occasional freedom from the cage.
Parrots enjoy a comfortable perch outside the cage for interaction with the family and exercise.
Hand fed birds gravitate toward humans and particularly enjoy handling and interaction. Toys - Toys are very useful and necessary to provide mental diversion and encourage exercise and beak use. Select toys, however, with the bird's safety in mind. Pick chewable items such as branches, pine cones, rawhide dog chews, natural fiber rope and soft white pine. Birds love variety in color and shape.