Habitat Enrichment. What Does it Mean?

Habitat enrichment can mean many things. It might mean teaching your birds to use their brains, by learning to play games or doing tricks. It's a rewarding time for both you and your bird, and you will be amazed at how intelligent they are and how quickly they catch on.

First, your bird must learn to learn. This means when you ask them to behave in a certain way and they do it, you will pay them for it. Find a place in your home that is away from their cage and is fairly quiet. Start with something the bird already knows. If your bird knows how to wave, start with the wave. If your bird says a particular word when you ask them to, start with that. Ask for the behavior, then when the bird starts to do it (even if it's just the initial part of the behavior), start getting excited and say "good bird" and reward them with their favorite treat. Make it something they can eat quickly and that you can cut up into small pieces so the training session will last for a few minutes.

To teach the bird to wave is probably the easiest behavior to begin with. Put the bird on a stand and start tapping the bird's foot and say "wave bye bye". When the bird moves even one toe get excited and say "good" and give a treat. After repeated sessions, you'll see the bird lift his foot higher and higher until he is actually waving.

If you want to start with a prop toy, such as a basketball game, first get the bird to use the prop. You may have to place a treat half way between the prop and where the bird is standing, then slowly move it closer to the prop. Finally, set the treat right on the prop itself. Each time the bird moves closer say "good girl" and get really excited. If the bird fails in one step, go back to the point that the bird failed and start again.

The key is timing and consistency. Be very patient and begin training at a time of day when you are not in a hurry and the training area is quiet and peaceful. When the bird starts chewing on things or moving away from you stop the training session. Always try to end on a positive, go back to something the bird does well and reward them and let them know you're pleased.

Make it a fun time for you and your bird and you'll be rewarded by the amount of things you can teach them. Good luck!