Play and exercise for birds with clipped wings

[lorishopaholic]

I am new to bird ownership and just want to be sure I'm doing things right. His play stand should arrive in a few days. Can I train him to stay on the play stand? I have read stories of birds tearing up furniture etc. I don't plan on leaving him unsupervised or having free roam of the house. What things can I do to exercise him so he doesn't find his own entertainment with my furniture? Lol! I don't feel like he would get much exercise sitting on his play stand or are they just happy to be out of their cage? Again, sorry for the crazy questions but he is my first bird and I obviously have no idea what I'm doing.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Please don't be sorry for asking...no such thing as crazy questions.

Here, have a look at this thread, it's about 'station training'. http://www.parrotforums.com/training/60257-station-training-what-if-he-won-t-stay-put.html This will take some time, it won't happen overnight, but it can be done. Just remember, no bird is ever 100% reliable. Make sure the playgym has plenty of things to keep your baby occupied, too.

 

[lorishopaholic]

Thank you! Will that be enough exercise for him or do I need to do specie things to exercise him?

 

[JerseyWendy]

As long as he's active, moving around, playing, flapping (without flying), then yes, that's ample exercise.

 

[lorishopaholic]

He has done so good the last few days when I've taken him out of his cage but today he was super grumpy and very nippy. Do they just have bad days too? I'm hoping that it's not his true personality coming out. He didn't want to step up at all and when I would ask him to he would nip my hand. I didn't push the issue and left him alone. Is that the right approach? Fingers crossed tomorrow will go better.

 

[wrench13]

Golds famous gym makes a whole line of special parrot wear and special weights that you can use to exercise your parrot. Lil dumbbells and hand weights and special running shorts can all be used to keep your parrot busy on his play stand. And by now I hope that you understand that I am joking with you. Just provide lots of toys he can chew and play with and destroy and he will not have an inclination to chew up and destroy your furniture.

 

[rosembers]

You may want to consider letting his wings grow out. Flighted birds are much more balanced, healthy, and happy and they can get the exercise they need. They also have more ability to grip toys and perches and balance inside their cage. In the meantime, I would recommend lots of foraging and shred toys to keep him busy