By Sheila S. Blanchette, IAABC-CPBC, UW-AAB, Director of Education, Rhode Island Parrot Rescue

There are a considerable number of articles and discussions about enrichment for companion birds. Enriching a parrot’s environment has been demonstrated to increase activity, problem-solving abilities, and better mental health. Enrichment can include safe flight areas, chewing toys, and environmental changes.

One aspect of Enrichment is Foraging. Foraging is a natural behavior in the wild where parrots actively search for and select food. This function, to ‘Forage’ for food, not only meets nutritional needs but also provides vital mental stimulation.

Research has demonstrated that parrots without access to foraging can become bored, frustrated, and develop harmful behaviors such as feather plucking, loud vocalizations, or aggression. Providing foraging opportunities reduces these problems by offering mental engagement and physical exercise, similar to wild conditions. Additionally, foraging promotes physical health by encouraging movement and dexterity, aiding muscle tone and coordination.

“Foraging is the act of searching for and finding food. Many wild birds spend more than 50% of their day foraging and feeding, particularly in the morning and evening. Because foraging occupies a significant portion of a bird’s daily activity, it likely has social and behavioral importance.

In a captive situation, normal behaviors are likely disrupted, including foraging. If the ability to forage is removed, that leaves socializing, grooming, and rest. If birds are isolated and have limited contact with humans, this may leave preening and sleep as the only natural behaviors conducted.”1

Many of our companion birds may not have had the opportunity to learn how to search/forage for food. A foraging toy may be available in the enclosure, yet the companion bird does not interact with it.

The non-interaction of a foraging toy, even if it may appear simple, is vital information in that the foraging toy could be too easy or not understood. In some scenarios, introducing a forage toy can cause stress, leading to a lack of interaction and a fear response. In other cases, the foraging toy has kept the companion bird busy, and over time, it is emptied quite quickly. and then no longer used. The reduction in the interaction behavior could be a result of a loss of interest (too easy).

On the flip side, the foraging toy does not seem to be understood in terms of how to retrieve the treat.

Wonderful individuals purchase SqwuakBox or Birdiebox forage enrichment or build their own to increase mental development for their companion bird. When the companion bird does not interact with the foraging enrichment, the individual is disappointed.

“In our homes, more often than not, food is delivered in a dish, and the act of finding, extracting, and eating food rarely presents as a challenge to the companion parrot.”2

Foraging should be introduced gradually, adding small step complexities as the companion bird learns.

When to Start

Teaching can happen at any time. If you have recently adopted/obtained a companion bird, there is an important recommendation to keep the companion bird in the cage/enclosure for 30 -45 days. This is the recommended adjustment and quarantine period for the companion bird. Our new companion bird needs time to get accustomed to the unfamiliar environment and the people. This adjustment time is a fantastic opportunity for observing the companion bird's experience related to foraging.

If you have an existing companion bird, and the companion bird appears to be foraging in some toys but not in others, or does not interact with any.

Good news; easy foraging can move to more complex foraging. Any companion bird can learn.

Where to Start

Foraging should start at the food bowl. Most companion birds are foraging in their food bowls. When the food bowl is refilled, the companion bird will move to the food bowl and may begin to search for their favorite food in the bowl.

Observations have shown companion birds in food bowls kicking specific food items out. The next time you place the refilled food bowl in the enclosure, back up and sit down a few feet away from the cage and watch which food items your companion bird eats first..second…third. Those items will become important when moving to more complex foraging. If your companion bird is eating specific pellets, which may not have distinct differences, still watch, because your companion bird may prefer a specific size or shape of the pellet that is eaten first.

Once you have documented/observed your companion bird’s preferred items from the food bowl, set up a second bowl in the enclosure. The second bowl can be placed near the original bowl, if there is no space, on the inside of the cage door, or at a different location in the enclosure. The second bowl will have the preferred food items in it.

Once the two bowls are set up, let the companion bird discover the other bowl. Do not tap the other bowl or make a big deal about it; let the companion bird learn to search for food between the two bowls.

When your companion bird bounces between the two bowls with no issues, start to move the 2nd bowl around the enclosure.

Next Increment Step

The next step is to purchase or grow lettuce or parsley. Take a very small piece of lettuce and place it on top of the companion bird’s food. The lettuce or parsley is not meant for eating (if eaten, there’s no harm). The goal is for the companion bird to move the small piece of lettuce or parsley to access the food beneath. This may seem like a simple step. Observations indicate that some companion birds may initially struggle to access their food, so the piece of lettuce or parsley should be smaller until the bird moves or pecks around it.

Parsley being thrown out of the food bowl

In some cases, the companion bird plays with the added forage, covering the desired food.

When the companion bird begins to understand the introduction of foraging, more complexity can be added. In the next blog, I will describe the next steps for increasing complexity in foraging. Remember, start very simple. If this process moves too quickly and the complexity level is raised too fast, the companion bird may lose interest in searching for food.

References:

[1]Foraging as a Means of Behavior Modification, Date: September 17, 2007; By: M. Scott Echols, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) – https://lafeber.com/vet/foraging-as-a-means-of-behavior-modification/?srsltid=AfmBOop6kiSQRY51BAbHS_6FX238sMtJKteG87vDPt3MBWQyDtpPwt9f

2 The Parrot Enrichment Activity Book V2; Kris Porter; 2007

Copyrighted. Blog posts may be used as guidelines for the proper care of your parrot. Not intended for medical or legal advice. Please consult with a licensed avian veterinarian regarding the medical care and wellbeing of your exotic pets.

Introduction to Foraging for our Companion Birds

When to Start

Where to Start

Next Increment Step

References: