SNORTYHOW-TO by K.

Parrots are flock creatures.

HOW TO PLAY WITH A LARGE PARROT by K.

Parrots are sensitive, intelligent birds who need a lot of stimulation.  A few things to remember:  Introduce new toys cautiously. Unlike dogs and cats, birds see in full color and are very affected by visual stimuli. It's not unusual for your bird to react fearfully to a new toy. Try putting the new toy on the floor (parrots are not as intimidated by things that are "shorter" than they are) across the room, and inch it closer day by day.

Parrots are "flock creatures" who enjoy doing things with you. You'll know your parrot is enjoying himself when he bobs his head up and down, makes a lot of eye contact, and clacks his beak repeatedly!  Here are some ways to play with them.

What You Will Need:

• Bird toys. To avoid risk of poisoning, always make sure that the toys your parrot will be chewing on are specifically made for birds.  Find them at a pet store, or order online. Look for puzzle-type toys, leather chew-toys, and toys with sturdy bells that can withstand rough play.
• Materials to shred like cardboard and wood.  Make sure that these materials are not treated with chemicals.  Wood should be restricted to pine or fruit tree woods untreated with pesticides. Consult your vet if in doubt.  Remember that parrots are "cavity nesters" and it's coded into their DNA to carve out burrows for themselves in hollow trees in the wild. When you catch your parrot chewing, shredding, and destroying something, always remember that he's not misbehaving.  He's just being a parrot.
• A big towel for the Towel Game in Step 3.
• A big cardboard box and several shiny kitchen utensils for the Box Game in Step 4.

Meal time for the flock!

Step 1: Rotate several different toys through your parrot’s cage each week. Macaws and cockatoos need two types of toys: durable puzzle-type ones to occupy their bright minds and withstand their chewing; and safe materials such as untreated wood and cardboard that they can rip up and destroy each day. 

Step 2:  Take your parrot in the bathroom when you perform your "grooming activities" each morning. Parrots find tooth-brushing hilarious and fascinating. They will understand that your hair-combing is a form of preening. Most parrots will love showering with you, which must remind them of the ancestral rain forest. Expect much exuberant screaming, fanning of the tail and wings, and other parrot silliness to result.

Step 3:  Play "The Towel Game." Sit at a table with your parrot on the table top. Fold your arms on the table, put your head down on your arms, and drape a big fluffy bath towel over your head. Your parrot will not be able to resist running up to the edge of the towel and lifting it up with his beak so he can slip underneath to be with you. Parrots can be very possessive of their people, so don't try the towel game if you're not the primary bond; he may run under to bite you!

A full puff-out!

Step 4:  Let your parrot eat off your plate!  (Of course, make sure it’s healthy food.  Alcohol, chocolate, and avocado are poisonous to parrots.) Parrots are omnivores and will want to try a little protein, fruit, vegetables, and carbs.  They especially like fat, so don’t let them overdo it! Mainly, though, they want to participate when “the flock” (and that includes you) is eating.

Step 5: Play "The Box Game." First, present your parrot with a medium-sized box with something fun inside to chew up like a big wad of newspapers. Once he's busily chewing, get an interesting-looking kitchen implement like a big, shiny ladle and gently tap with it on the side of the box. This will grab his attention. Gently tap the ladle closer and closer until you dip it briefly into view. This should get a huge reaction - possibly a full puff-out if you have a cockatoo. Repeat with different cooking utensils for maximum fun and stimulation.

Step 6: Exercise your parrot with the "Flapping Game." Place your parrot on the back of your hand and gently move your hand up and down or swoop your hand in figure-eights. Your parrot will flap his wings as you move him through the air. Stop and give the poor guy a break once he starts breathing hard. Remember, always be sensitive to your parrot’s mood. If he’s going through a molt and doesn’t feel like playing, just sit quietly with him and talk to him.

Disclaimer:  SnortyHow is intended for entertainment purposes only and has NOT been reviewed by professionals for accuracy, reliability, legality, or safety. Whatever you read in SnortyHow, you must try at your own risk, preferably after seeking advice from licensed professionals.