What Parrots Want?!? Avian Foraging and Environmental Enrichment

摘要

Unlike dogs and cats, most psittacine species are not domesticated and have therefore likely retained most, if not all, of their wild instincts and behavioral needs; however, in captivity most parrots have little to no opportunity to perform these species-typical behaviors. This will not only reduce their welfare, but can also result in the onset of abnormal repetitive behaviors, including feather-damaging behavior, and oral or locomotor stereotypies. Provision of environmental enrichment serves an important tool to enable animals to perform their natural, species-typical behaviors and reduce the occurrence of health and behavioral problems. Several categories can be distinguished, including social, occupational, physical, sensory and nutritional orforaging enrichment. The effects and importance of each of these types of enrichments have been studied to varying degrees using behavior analysis and preference tests, thereby helping to make evidence-based recommendations regarding their added value for captive parrots. Nonetheless, veterinarians, behaviorists and caregivers are recommended to carefully observe the effects on the individual bird as needs and preferences may differ from one bird to the other.