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Parrots thrive on attention
from their human flock and it is vital to their emotional well-being.
Being locked up and abandoned in a cage to spend hours alone does not make for a
very rewarding life. How much attention is too much? What
type of attention is best?
There are three levels of
attention that you should integrate into your daily routine:
Quality One on One Time
(recommended 10-15 minutes twice a day) - This is where your undivided attention is focused on your bird without competing
distractions. This time is great for training, cuddling and playing
with your bird. Engaging in interactive play such as playing simple games with your bird
will help to not only stimulate their bird brains but also foster a
healthier relationship. Favorite games in our house are peek-a-boo,
ball toss, hide and seek and “gonna get a bird”.
Shared Attention
(recommended minimum 20 - 30 minutes a day) - This
occurs any time you spend while in physical contact or close proximity to your
bird while you are also engaged in other activities such as watching TV, talking on the
phone, washing dishes, interacting with other family members, taking a shower, etc.
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