Dec. Flock Together Feature - Birds in TOYLAND!

Happy December, everyone! It's that most wonderful time of the year. Why?

Because people start hanging up all sorts of interesting shiny stuff around the house:


and wearing things we wouldn't in any other month of the year. Odd looking sweaters, toe socks, and hats with pom poms:


There always seems to be more food cooking around the home too. And people dropping by to eat!


But if you ask anyone who's young, or young at heart - they'll probably tell you unabashedly
BECAUSE WE GET NEW T-O-Y-S!!!!


TOOOOOOOOOOOYYYYYYYYYYYYYS
:thumb323956273:
:thumb329662642:
TOOOOOOOOOOOYYYYYYYYYYYYYS!!!!!!!!



As the title suggests, this monthly feature will focus on playtime -  the most wonderful time in our birds' day.


According to scientists, birds have the right equipment for emotion. They have a limbic system, a specialized portion of the brain, necessary for true emotional behavior. Other than birds, this system is found only in higher vertebrates - humans, primates and other mammals. Bird owners have long felt they can tell whether their pets are happy or sad, fearful or content. Now research is underway to determine whether birds are aware of their own emotions, and the impact this awareness may have on their individual behavior.

:thumb366581116: :thumb351215632:
- Wild parrots at play. What.. Did you think only PETS like to have fun?

Birds take enjoyment in intelligent play - Frolicking in a bird bath may, or may not, be simple instinct. But what about dropping things into a water bowl to study the splash? Turning somersaults? Knocking stuff off of tables? Or climbing a rope with their beak? Clearly, birds do many things just for the fun of it. Provided the right interactive toy, they will invest hours in play to satisfy their curiosity, and possibly earn intellectual reward.

Birds are genuinely fun-loving. When you interact with them one-on-one each day you can expect a happier, better-adjusted companion bird. One of the ways to have a companion bird bond to you is to play interactively with them.



Laughter is an essential ingredient to effective playtime. Another essential ingredient is praise. Birds love to hear us laugh. Some even laugh with us. A mimicking bird that learns to laugh will sometimes call their people to play with them by laughing. The sound of a bird laughing is music to a bird lover's ears.
 <- shout out to and her adorable flock!
Merry Xmas + thanks for all the great pics of your birds at play you've shared to the group. They really came in handy this month ^_^

We are serious adults in a serious world. Playtime with our pets is something that is hard for many of us at the beginning. We simply have not played in years. It is worth your time in the reward to your bird's happiness. Bonding with their person, entertainment for both of you and intellectual challenge to the feathered friend are some benefits to be gained from playing with your pet. It just might lower your blood pressure and give you a better outlook too, so have fun with your bird and give them praise.





Links and credits:
===============

Toys to fit all budgets, including no budget -  www.birdsnways.com/birds/ideas…
This site is so full of great ideas for toys and games, you will want to start playing with your birds five minutes into reading it.
Make toys! Things that can be ripped apart and destroyed such as cardboard rolls and boxes can be great fun:



Games to play with your birds! www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww41…

My bird won't play with toys? bestinflock.wordpress.com/2008…
Get them started with toys young. Show them how to play, how to use toys, play with them so they learn.


Bird Toy Safety --- www.beautyofbirds.com/toysafet… This is a NO-excuses, absolutely MUST read for every bird keeper. It's our responsibility to know what can potentially harm our feathered pals, and to take appropriate measures to supervise our flocks when trying out new play equipment. Prepare your birds' playpens and play stations appropriately for their size and activity range.
Change your birds' toys out from time to time, rotate them every so often to keep it interesting and challenging for them.




So wrapping up -  
During this month of giving, give your feathered friends something nice.

"There better be something nice in that magic sleigh of goodies for ME, Santa!"


Give your birds a little extra love, and show them a happy holiday season  



:thumb630867985:

Also don't be surprised when your birds take an interest in YOUR toys, too!
 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL from (That's and me )



In the comments, tell us about your birds favorite toys!
The FEATURED gallery this month is dedicated to photos you give to us of your birds at play with their toys.
Send us holiday themed pet bird art too, we'll add them in - K.