Paper or no?

[orphansparrow]

I haven’t been putting papers above the bottom grate of Duckies cage for some time because he’s so hormonal that I believe it is worsening his nest building/cavity seeking behavior and I don’t want to add to his hormonal frustration. But on the other hand, shredding his paper is his absolute favorite thing to do and when he doesn’t do it he plucks ever so slightly. Or maybe overpreens is the word. So yesterday I went ahead and put a paper in the cage with him and he went right to work. When I got home he had made confetti. There is no toy on earth that he’s so interested in that I’ve discovered. So what do you think? Should I put in papers or no?

thank you for your thoughts!

 

[Mizzely]

My philosophy is that we can try to fight nature, or we can work with it.

Ripley also is hormonal right now. He is trying to find cavities in and under the couch and that's not safe.

I give him a box in his cage that safely allows him to get that cavity feel, and then he can shred it to make a nest.

Does this encourage his hormones? Yes. However, it does so in a way that is safe for him and allows him an outlet for a natural behavior.

 

[Emma&pico]

Have you tried something like this for him ?

 

[greys4u]

I have put paper, Priority boxes in Valentines. As soon as I picked up my notebook, she screamed, so I put it in the cage and she was one happy bird!!

 

[orphansparrow]

Thank you @Mizzely ! That makes me feel better. I’m working on plans for a small aviary for the boys, but it’s still too freezing here for any outside time. I’m hoping that will help this summer as well.

Thank you @Emma&pico He has toys made of paper, but we’ve never tried this one. I’ll look for it. Thank you so much.

 

[BrianB]

Have you tried wrapping food or treats up in small paper packages? Making him work for his food can help burn off some hormonal energy and focus his attention away from his feathers. He gets to shred a little in the process.

 

[Pixiebeak]

Paper ball from rodent section of pet store

Things for Wings, fence toy ! Loved by all mine , this a gift from @Emma&pico