Small birds, like finches and canaries, primarily flutter from perch to perch and make short flights. They are generally always kept in their cage or aviary and can be difficult to catch if they get out. Parrots of all sorts love to climb on ladders and the horizontal bars of their cage. Natural perches not only provide exercise for the parrots toe muscles, they also keep birds gnawing on the bark and the wood. Cuttlebones are good for beak trimming as well as a calcium supple.
Toys provide entertainment as well as exercise and most parrots like to chew .
Perches, swings, ladders and toys all become objects of entertainment and chewing. Plastic toys are only safe for small birds, parakeets and perhaps less active cockatiels. Larger parrots will destroy them and can be injured by the chewed pieces. Various woods, leathers, rawhides and acrylic make good chew toys for all parrots. Bells are a favorite toy and reflective surfaces, like stainless steel mirrors, can be enjoyed by some birds.