Make your feathered friends work for food!
In nature, parrots and parakeets have to make an effort to gather food. We know that if parrots have the choice of food in a food bowl or food that requires effort, they prefer not to eat from the food bowl.
They choose to exhibit natural behavior.
In my aviary there are “branches with holes” hanging where the parrots enjoy working. Therefore, let them work a little at home for their food, for example use foraging toys, hide the food in cubes, bowls, etc. You will see that your feathered friend has found it faster than expected and that he is visibly happy to be activated in this way.
Dr. Pepperberg recently conducted research on this. It turns out that when given the choice between a nut in a plastic container with or without a lid, the parrot chooses to remove the lid and then eat the nut. Apparently, putting in the effort is satisfying. This is relatable, because we also find it extra satisfying when we have to put in the effort to achieve something.
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