The supervisor

We have some amazing volunteers who buy, cut, and drill the wood we use in many of the toys we make. Other volunteers dye the wood and assemble the toys. These toys are sold to help support the Center, and also are given to birds who are (temporarily or permanently) staying with us. (And, if any of you are reading this, thanks again!)

Joey, the Center's mascot, was supervising wood dying last week:Parrots love to be part of the action! They are flock animals. In the wild, a lone bird is often a dead bird, as they are more susceptible to predator attacks. Frequently being left alone and unable to communicate with their flock is one reason why many companion birds develop behavior problems, including screaming (for attention) or plucking (from frustration).

One way to deepen your bond with your parrot is to have him "help" you with your day-to-day activities. It can be helpful to have perches or playstands in various rooms of the house for this purpose.

Of course, you have to be sure that the activity is parrot-safe, and that the parrot can't escape or be injured by the activity (be careful of chemicals)! But, if you're taking a shower, let your parrot perch on the shower curtain. Doing laundry? Mine love to come downstairs and perch on the dryer. Reading the paper? There's a parrot on my lap!

It may take longer to get the task accomplished -- having to stop and acknowledge the parrot is a given! -- but it will help to make your bond even stronger.