EXERCISE All birds should be allowed to exercise out of the cage on a regular basis, but close supervision is vital. Before releasing your bird, cover windows and mirrors, close the doors and screen off the fireplace. Keep other pets out of the room. Most birds will return to their cage after a while to rest on their perch.
BOREDOM Boredom can be a problem for birds who spend much of their time in cages. Give your bird adequate attention, talk to it often. Provide some entertainment such as mirrors, bells, ladders and so on, but leave enough room for the bird to move around. If necessary, give your bird variety by changing its toys from time to time. Do not worry if your bird does not use a new item immediately. Budgies, particularly, are very conservative and it may take them several weeks to ïeye off a new thing in the cage before they touch it.
SOMETHING TO CHEW ON Allowing a bird to chew on wood or bark has several benefits. It helps keep its beak in trim; it can sometimes be a source of trace minerals and it helps relieve boredom.
