#28 Parrot Gazette: Intelligent Parrots Need To Be Challenged
And Even A Varied Diet Can Help!
In this issue:
The Importance of Mental Stimulation for Your Parrots
Mix Up Mealtime with These 2 Simple Recipes for Your Parrot
Movie Time: 🍿🦜 Dealing With Feather Plucking
Reader Resources
Thanks for being a regular! We love your feathers! 🌞📚🦜
1.
The Importance of Mental Stimulation for Your Parrots
Hey there, feathered friends and human buddies! It’s me, Abby the Conure, ready to squawk about something super important: mental stimulation! Let’s dive into why keeping our brains busy makes life way more fun (and helps keep our feathers looking fabulous)!
Brain Games, Activate! 🧠💡
Just like you humans love solving puzzles or playing word games, we birds need a little challenge to keep our minds sharp! After all, we are one of the most intelligent animal! Think of it like this: foraging puzzles, tricky toys, and new challenges are like our own little brain teasers. So, toss us a puzzle to crack or a treat to find—we love the challenge!
Bye-Bye Boredom 👋:
When we’re bored, things can get ruffled—literally! If we have nothing to do, we might start plucking feathers or feeling stressed out. But when you keep us entertained with activities that match our natural instincts, we’re way happier (and our feathers stay put). Plus, we love a good chew, so it gives us something to nibble on besides your furniture!
Change Is the Spice of Life 🌶️:
In the wild, every day’s a new adventure with sights and sounds to explore. But at home, things can get a bit... samey. That’s why we love it when you mix things up! Bring us new toys, hide yummy treats for us to find, or even rearrange our perches. It’s like a little scavenger hunt right inside our cage, and it makes life so much more exciting!
Bonding Time = Brain Time 💖:
Training sessions aren’t just about showing off new tricks (although we love to dazzle you). They’re also a great way for us to connect with you! We easily develop a common language too because I’ll learn your signals or words.
When you spend time teaching us, we feel secure and loved. Plus, it gives us a chance to put those clever bird brains to use. It’s a win-win!
Get Those Wings Moving 🏋️♂️:
Mental challenges often lead to physical fun! Whether it’s climbing up to snag a treat or hopping through a maze you’ve set up, we love staying active. And a little exercise keeps us feeling great—especially if we have a sweet spot for snacks (and who doesn’t?).
So, keep the puzzles, games, and little adventures coming! It means more fun for us, less stress, and way more bonding time with you! Plus, we’ll be happier, healthier, and ready to show off just how smart we really are. Let’s keep the good times rolling! 🦜💚
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2.
Mix Up Mealtime with These 2 Simple Recipes for Your Parrot
by Xelha
Offering a varied, healthy diet to your parrot can be a fun way to keep their minds engaged and bodies nourished! Trying out new treats and meals can make mealtime a stimulating experience for your feathered friend. Here are a couple of parrot-friendly recipes to add some excitement to their routine:
1. Parrot Pancakes
Fun to make, even better to eat!
1 egg
1 cup of whole wheat flour
A little less than 1/2 cup of coconut water
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Chia or Flax Seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let sit for a few minutes for a gel-like consistency. This can add moisture and a bit of structure to baked treats without needing baking powder, which can be harmful.
Combine all ingredients, mix until smooth, and cook like regular pancakes in a small, non-stick (not teflon) pan. Let them cool before serving, and break them into parrot-sized pieces.
2. Two-Ingredient Parrot Cookies
Quick, easy, and a favorite treat!
Almond butter (make sure it’s unsalted and without added sugar)
1 egg
Mix equal parts almond butter and the egg. Drop small spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Let them cool before offering to your parrot.
These recipes are a great way to offer your parrot a new taste and texture experience, keeping them curious and engaged. Plus, making treats at home ensures you know exactly what's in them, keeping your bird’s diet healthy!
3. Movie Time!
🍿🦜 Dealing With Feather Plucking
Sometimes Plucking Comes From A Lack of What To Do!
4. Reader Resources:
Looking For A Bird?
Rescue, Baby Or Rehome
Looking to RESCUE? Try Bird Gardens of Naples
Looking for a BABY? Visit Parrot Bliss
We have baby parrotlets, White-bellied Caiques, Blue-headed Macaw, Indian Ringneck, Green-cheek Conures and a Hahn’s!
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About Kalyn
I’m an author, parront and quite passionate about my parrots. I love learning about parrots, having them and sharing what I learn in my books and videos. I also like writing novels, I’ve created child and adult parrot coloring books - all to help support our flock.
About Xelha
I’m a college student who loves parrots! Conures are my favorites! I also love digital art and traveling.
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Having over 22 species means we have a loud, colorful and loving home!
Do You have a favorite parrot recipe? Send it in!
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