Companion Animals

Companion Bird Environmental Enrichment

Pet birds require complex environments to express natural behaviours and maintain good welfare.

Key Facts

Most companion bird species are highly intelligent and active in the wild
Foraging occupies 60-80% of wild bird time — this must be replicated in captivity
Barren cages cause feather-destructive behaviour and stereotypies
Social species should be kept with companions of their own species

Welfare Considerations

Birds in small, unenriched cages cannot forage, explore, play, or socialise normally. The frustration of these highly motivated behaviours causes feather plucking, aggression, screaming, and other signs of chronic psychological distress. Meeting companion bird welfare needs requires very large enclosures, complex foraging enrichment, social contact, and daily out-of-cage time.

What You Can Do

Provide the largest possible enclosure for companion birds
Use foraging-based feeding rather than bowls to extend feeding time
Ensure social species are kept with appropriate companions
Research species-specific needs before acquiring any bird