Exercise

Behavior changes that can be caused by lack of exercise include screaming, biting, feather chewing, and obesity. Exercise allows birds to use excess energy in a positive fashion.

Types of exercise

Some birds enjoy vigorously flapping their wings while holding on with their feet to some stationary object. You can also help your bird stretch those wings by holding their feet and moving your hand downwards, just fast enough to encourage your bird to flap their wings. Be careful not to alarm the bird, however. Some bird will naturally flap their wings when their owner descend stairs with their bird on their hand.

If a bird is fully flighted, the bird, while out of its cage, will receive exercise, flying to you or exploring rooms. Be sure that the windows are closed or screened. Make sure the chimney is well screened even without a fire, to prevent a bird from flying up it. Cover aquariums to keep the bird from drinking or falling in. Make sure toilet lids are down. Some birds have flown into glass windows or mirrors. It may be helpful to avoid injury to have a thin curtain covering windows. Light fixtures and ceiling fans can be very dangerous to birds. Objects sitting on shelves can be knocked over or chewed on. To avoid a bird from escaping, try to limit or disallow any access to rooms with doors to the outside. In short, it is important to bird-proof any rooms your bird may be able to fly into.

All birds enjoy exploring the house, whether on foot or by wing. Remove small objects and poisonous plant (also ones you don't want chewed!) Cover electrical cords or remove them. Be very careful with coffee, hot drinks, and alcohol. Birds have also been drowned in a glass, trying to get a drink, falling head first into the glass, and being unable to get out. If your bird is a climber, also read the safety precautions for flighted birds above. And although it sounds obvious, please make sure you know where your bird is at all times. Tragic accidents have occurred by a person setting on, sitting on, or rolling a chair over their loved one.Most of the same safety precautions

Toys are excellent sources of exercise. Birds get exercise by climbing all over their cages and playgyms or on their knotted ropes, ladders, or rings as well as swings. Be careful with swings if you have a young bird. Your bird may also enjoy climbing up YOU. Some birds love to chase and retrieve rubber balls. You can also encourage your bird to climb by placing treats at different levels of a playgym or cage.