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In the wild, parrots fly
many miles a day in search of food, mates and safe resting spots as well as in
defending nesting sites and fleeing predators. In the process, they get a lot
of aerobic exercise.
Exercise and
play are critical to a parrot’s physical, mental and
emotional well being. Exercise enhances physical conditioning
(cardiovascular & muscle health), stimulates the brain and offers an outlet to
alleviate boredom and stress. The risk of too little exercise is heart
disease, obesity,
depression, lethargy and behavioral problems such as aggressiveness, screaming
or plucking.
Unfortunately, in captivity,
our
pet birds live a relatively sedentary existence
which can lead to
obesity and related long term health problems. The risks of obesity are well
known: circulatory problems, heart disease, respiratory distress, fatty liver
disease, fatty tumor formation, kidney disease and joint disease (arthritis).
Avian obesity can be avoided by increasing exercise levels and by providing an
appropriate diet that isn’t too high in calories or fat content.
For optimal health, we need
to provide our birds with opportunities to move, climb, flap and fly to help
keep their muscles toned, joints healthy and heart conditioned. Providing
outlets for exercise will also help them reduce their stress level, improve
their balance and coordination as well as enhance their mental alertness.
For some suggestions on how to increase your
birds exercise level check out our articles
"How to
Get Your Bird to Exercise" and
"Games You Can
Play With Your Bird"
AvianEnrichment.com
is also proud to offer a selection of great
toys,
play
gyms,
swings,
ladders,
flight gear and
bungees to help promote an increased
level of exercise and activity.  Print
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