Page 601 - Hand rearing birds second

602 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure 39.4 Double plate system for food trays and a stout water bowl, with a wall hatch that allows food
delivery without direct interaction with the birds.

Enrichment
Enrichment is as important for wild birds that will eventually be released as it is for long‐term cap-
tive birds. Choice of enrichment depend upon the species, the number of birds in the enclosure,
and whether or not they are able to be released into the wild.
The optimum enrichment for a flock of healthy wild releasable birds should be natural foraging
branches of berries, fruits, flowers, etc. Avoid the use of manufactured toys and artificial items
such as beads. If you are making toys, use natural wood or branches cut into slices and strung up,
or use food itself as the enrichment: corn cobs impaled on dowelling attached to branches, whole
papaya hung in nets or simple wire baskets, or a stand of bananas. The more closely related to
natural food, the better training it is for these birds awaiting release. Natural food items available
to them after release should be introduced to them prior to release to facilitate their adaptation
later on. As with the entire diet during rehabilitation, beware of teaching wild parrots to eat farmed
crop foods, turning them into targets for lethal deterrents or exposing them to pesticides and
herbicides.

Aviary­Furnishing
Perches should be natural branches, not manufactured dowel, metal, or PVC perches which are too
smooth. The bird’s nails should stop ¾ of the way around the perch if it is adequately sized.
Connect perches with screws and washers through the wire and with cable tie connections to other