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3 seminars required if interested in adopting a bird. Attendance is tracked using the sign in sheets. After attending 3 seminars, adoption application is mailed, then forwarded to Adoption Committee. Home visit is required before placing a bird. 2
If interested in volunteering, attendance at seminars if tracked via sign-in sheets. After attending the basic 3 seminars, volunteer application is mailed. Attend volunteer orientation and are now a volunteer-in-training. Continue to attend all available PEAC seminars; assigned duties are at the discretion of the Leadership Team during the training period. All donations to PEAC are tax-deductible. 3
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Although this cage is overly packed with stuff, the point is there is a huge variety of things for a bird to occupy itself. Foraging like the corn cob and greens, various climbing apparatus, perches also on outside of the cage. 5
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Poor health and nutrition can also contribute to behavioral problems as your bird may not feel its best. The point is this would be an extremely tedious existence for such an intelligent being. 8
If you were a large parrot like these macaws which cage would you prefer? 9
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This is what parrots are designed to do; our job as their stewards is to make their lives in captivity the best we can. 11
Birds who have lacked stimulation or never been taught to forage, play with toys, etc will take time and patience to learn these critical skills. 12
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Washable toys include large hard plastic beads (too large to swallow), acrylic foot toys, etc. 16
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Pictures to follow 18
When purchasing toys look for those that lend themselves to hiding small bits of food/treats. This will encourage your bird to chew, shred and destroy! The parrot piñata shown is made of woven palm leaves so there are many spaces to insert food bits. 19
These metal toy/treat cages come in various sizes for all birds, and are available powder coated or stainless steel as shown in this photo. 20
Clean pizza boxes also come in various sizes and make fabulous shredding toys. 21
Acrylic puzzle toys are extremely durable, easy to clean (most come apart with screws and can be placed in dishwasher) and birds love them. 22
Treat opening on this toy is on the lower right. When teaching a bird to use this toy, first place the food treat right in the opening. Once the bird understands, you can then move the pellet or favored food item further and further into the maze. 23
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An advanced foraging toy! 25
Rather than filling every hole with a treat, consider wrapping 1 or 2 treats with paper. Stuff remaining holes with an empty wad of paper. Random rewards will keep the game more exciting for your bird, encourage curiosity and avoid excessive intake of treats. 26
Uncolored wicker balls made for parrots are another inexpensive way to hide pellets or other dry food items. 27
Finger traps and small birdie bagels make an inexpensive foraging toy. 28
Slices of loofa body scrubber commonly available in many stores. A whole loofa comes with a small rope hanger and also makes a fun toy for a bird. 29
This toy can easily be made more challenging by including only 1 or 2 treats mixed with wooden or plastic beads. 30
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Pine blocks stuffed with almonds in the shell lots of chewing fun. (available at www.rosespet.com; PEAC members receive 10% discount; just indicate PEAC membership in comments field at check out) 32
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Stainless steel skewers make vegetables into a toy. Hide favored food tidbits here too if your bird hasn t learned about eating vegetable yet. 36
Bell pepper with a food treat hidden inside. 37
And look what happens! 38
Herbie now enjoys vegetables. 39
A wide variety of whole veggies can be used as foraging toys. They can be hung as shown (using leftover hardware from an almond stick) or placed on a skewer or placed in a large food cup. 40
Hole in zucchini squash made with an apple corer. 41
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Joey, a Double-yellow Amazon, knows this game! 43
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Clean branches make an excellent foraging experience 49
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Clean cardboard egg cartons make a great shredable toy too. 52
Half sheets of copy paper rolled and placed on a stainless steel skewer for bird. A great way to offer larger pelleted food. 53
The results! 54
When purchasing baskets from craft stores make certain there is no metal hardware (wire, staples, nails) and they are uncolored (no varnish, paint or other coatings). 55
An untreated grapevine wreath stuffed with carrots (tops on) and other green vegs. 56
Pizza retailers will typically give you a few clean boxes, or a very nominal charge. 57
Untreated grapevine wreath, palm fronds, tamale wrappers and a wooden spoon make a great toy for hiding treats. 58
Throw toy parts, crumpled paper, bird bagels or any safe object in a cardboard box. Make sure the box has no staples or tape. 59
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Another acrylic puzzle toy. 63
Extremely advanced foraging toys: monster boxes 64
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No pesticides or previously sprayed items please. 69
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Observe what wild birds do for ideas 71
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