Why Do Birds Need Treats?
Treats are junk food, which means they have to be bad for your bird, right? Not so fast. Treats are a great addition to your bird's diet when used in moderation – not more than 5-10% of their diet. Because they are a mix of fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, they offer a healthy solution for training, keeping your bird entertained and helping strengthen the bond between you and your bird.
Without regular activity, your birds can get bored easily, leading to a variety of behavior problems. Treats are great for keeping your birds entertained. Nuts need to be broken apart, so birds can use their creativity to figure out how to get to the good stuff inside. You can also hide treats in many toys and places around the cage, giving your bird great foraging options.
Treats are also a helpful reward as you train your birds. Birds are reward-based creatures, meaning they need a good reason to do what you're asking. And what better reason than a tasty treat? Loose treat mixes have the perfect bite-sized portions, making them a great quick reward for good behavior.
Most importantly, treats help increase the bond you have with your birds. Hand feeding their treats gives you direct contact and strengthens the trust they have in you. You love your birds, and your bird will love you knowing you're willing to take care of him (and feed him his favorite treats!)
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