By John Catchpole

It is very easy to ignore the requirements of our captive animals with particular interest in what occupies their minds.  In the wild, creatures can choose what they eat, where they go and how they live.  In captivity, they cannot do this but have to rely on us humans for all their needs.

There are cases when psychological problems are identified as an underlying problem with behaviour, which opens up a whole raft of questions.  Can such issues be attributed to deep underlying issues or could it be that, simply, boredom is a cause?

Parrots are inquisitive creatures and often need to be stimulated and toys can play an important role.  With just one, or even a number of birds in cages or aviaries, stimulation can often be missing.  So why not try toys as a stimulus.

There are many different types readily available using a wide range of materials from basic wood through natural ropes to hard plastic.  Also, treats can often be ‘hidden’ in a ‘foraging’ toy, stimulating even more response, which can be purchased from a number of advertisers in Parrots magazine.  So why not try some?

By John Catchpole

Buying a pet, particularly a parrot, is a very big commitment, and because of longevity, a parrot may well outlive you so great thought must be considered if you decide to include one into your life.  If you are buying for a pet (companion) be fully aware it will become a major part of your family, and will probably still be around when your kids have grown up and left home!  Below are some issues you should take into consideration.

• Take great care when considering which species will best suit you and your family
• Be sure you are buying from a reputable seller - do some research and ask questions
• If you live in a densely populated area, make sure you won't upset your neighbours as some parrot and parakeets can be quite noisy
• If you decide to buy a baby bird, make sure it is fully weaned and can independently feed itself
• Make sure you get a comprehensive bill of sale that fully identifies the bird and whether or not it is suitable for the purpose - pet or aviary for example
• A good sign is if the bird has a closed ring (a one piece ring, not split) on its leg or better still, has been micro-chipped
• Make sure you know the bird's history and where it has come from
• Make sure it has been bred in your country and has not been imported, which would mean it had probably been wild caught and survived a gruelling journey
• Consider what will happen to your bird when you go on holiday or are away
• Are you prepared to deal with veterinary bills from time to time?
• A healthy bird should appear 'bright eyed and bushy tailed', if it is not, it may well be unwell.  However, it can be quite tiring spending a lot of time 'on sale' so don't jump to conclusions too quickly!
• Beware of cheap deals as they can turn out to be the most expensive

Photo courtesy of Andrew Marven.