How to Introduce New Bird Toys or a Bird Harness

Have you ever wondered the best way to introduce a new toy to your parrot or how to get it used to wearing a bird harness? Many birds are afraid of new toys and other items in their environment, but this article offers some tips that should help.
Toy Introduction

Often if a bird is not initially enthusiastic about a new toy, I will play with it in front of him, or we will play with it together on the bed to spark interest in it.

When, on the other hand, I have birds that are afraid of new toys, I first hang them near the cage, then on the outside of the cage near the bottom. (Height is very important to birds and things are less threatening if they are “below” the bird.) Then it gradually gets moved up, and when I see them start to mess with it while it’s still hanging outside, I move it inside the cage. This avoids those “help it’s gonna KILL me!” panic reactions.

That reminds me of a funny story: One day at the clinic I casually tossed Buddy the Amazon a big chunk of broccoli out of my salad. He reacted by DIVING off of his perch and screeching at the big bad green broccoli monster from the opposite side of the cage, on the floor. Poor Buddy. I retrieved it, broke it into smaller pieces, and he ate it, but he will be teased about the killer broccoli forever more!
Introducing a Bird Harness to your Parrot

Harnesses: Disclaimer: This is just MY opinion and my experience, and I’m not responsible for anything if you try it!! I have a built-in dislike of anything that’s more expensive just because it’s labeled for birds. I buy rodent water bottles and dog rope toys because they are exactly the same thing and cheaper. Well, I noticed that the bird harnesses I saw bore an astonishing resemblance to the cat/iguana harnesses I had seen, so I bought the smallest figure-8 cat harness I could find and tried it.

It worked great for me, and here’s how I did it: Standing behind the bird, hold the harness in both hands by the “open” loop with the closed loop up and facing away from you. Slip the closed loop over the bird’s head, bringing the crossover point down to the back between the wings, then quickly bring both hands around below the wings. Then your hands (and the harness ends) come together under the bird’s belly, where you quickly slip the end into the buckle and fasten it. Then stand back and let the hissy fit ensue for a bit! I also let my birds play with the harness off and on for a few days, letting them see that it was a “harmless” object and become used to the sight and “feel” of it, before I ever tried to put it on them.

I have actually had them end up “hanging” in the harness, and seem quite comfortable except for wanting to grab something with their feet. BTW, because of the location of a bird’s windpipe, it’s almost impossible to “choke” them like you could a dog or cat - compression of the chest is the only thing that will interfere with their breathing.

New Bird Toy Introduction 101

We all know how wondrously inquisitive our feathered friends are. It’s one of the characteristics of parrots we find so attractive. Some parrots adapt easily to new toys and products. But there are some who need a little more encouragement, and that encouragement needs to be handled in a delicate manner.

An important factor to remember is that your bird’s cage is their ?safe haven.? If a bird fears new toys, it is best to introduce the new toys outside of the cage. Part of the formula for success is knowing your bird’s body language?a key element in living happily with your avian companion.

There are several reasons why a bird may fear a new toy:

• Is the toy overwhelming in size? Downsize the toy so its size is less intimidating to your bird.
• Does the toy include features your bird normally would not enjoy? Some birds prefer cotton rope, others want the chewy quality of leather and there are some parrots who just love sucking on a stainless steel chain. The toy may have wood parts that are too thick. Your bird may not be able to easily chew these pieces, so they quickly become bored with the toy. You can always add a favorite toy part (i.e. a stainless steel spoon or pacifiers, etc) to attract your bird.

We have a responsibility as parrot owners to learn everything we can about these birds, including their likes and dislikes. Knowing what fascinates your bird is very important when choosing toys.

Fearful birds may need special attention when introducing a new item. If a toy is not accepted inside the bird’s cage, try introducing the toy on your bird’s play gym. You may need to encourage your bird to accept the toy by playing with it yourself, convincing the bird there is nothing to fear. Please be patient and give your bird lots of emotional support. After all, you are a member of his flock.

Even after this type of encouragement, some parrots still continue to show fear of new toys. When spending quality time with your parrot, keep the new toy on a table nearby. Your bird will see the toy at a safe distance while you are there to protect him from that ?terrible new thing.?

You can always place your bird’s favorite toy right next to the new toy. This is what I call ?bait,? combined with a little ?mind-over-matter!? On the day following the new toy’s first appearance, move the toy closer to where you and your bird will be sitting. On the third day, strategically place the toy on the couch next to where you will be sitting. When you are ready and relaxed, bring your bird in the room and sit next to the toy. After a few moments of just enjoying each other’s company, make your move by curiously touching the toy. Make pleasant and calm comments about the new item. Show him the parts and demonstrate how much he’ll enjoy undoing the knots or the fun he’ll have in moving the little pieces up and down.

Limit these sessions to a few minutes and always end them on a positive note. From a parrot’s perspective, it’s ?what’s mine is mine, what’s yours is mine and what’s theirs is mine!? With this in mind, your bird’s jealousy may overcome the fear, simply because you are having a good time with the toy and he is not!

You’ll know you are making progress when your bird is showing signs of being comfortable around the new item. He may not be playing with it just yet, but he’s not running away from it either!

Each parrot is an individual with his own wants and needs. Your parrot may take a little longer than others to accept something new. With patience and caring, the adjustment period can be continued for as long as it takes for your bird to enjoy playing with the new toy. Although it may take some time, you’ll be amply rewarded with the joy of watching him play with it!