Games People (and their birds!) Play

**"Dropsies" **

When your bird is in a mischievous mood, they will sometimes drop their toys on purpose. This game is also known as “Make the Human Fetch.” The first action is to associate the drop with an "UH OH!” Your bird will eventually pick up on this word and start using it. 
Recognize the “Dropsies” as your bird interacting with you, telling you to "Come play with me!" When your bird purposely drops a toy, he or she is thinking "I drop it. Mom/Dad comes and picks it up." Birds will play this game for hours!
 

**Catch Anyone?**

Who says a bird can’t play catch?? Well maybe not with a real ball but you can have a good game of catch with a Bonky Ball (a small wool ball), or a small plastic Wiffle Ball. Both types of balls can be purchased on our site at www.greyfeathertoys.com. The ball must be able to be gripped by a bird’s beaks. I use a Bonky Ball to play catch with my grey Oliver. He gets very excited when he sees me bringing the Bonky Ball. He knows "It’s SHOWTIME!".

The important first step is to ensure that your bird is not fearful of the ball. Limit the initial playing session to a 5-10 minute interval, so that your bird will get accustomed to the game. A short exposure to a new game builds trust and enthusiasm for the next play session.

Gently and slowly roll the ball to your bird. If your bird doesn't know what to do, don’t be discouraged. They will first watch you and your reactions, so be enthusiastic, talking in bright, positive tone. Say the name of the game, being consistent, so they learn the phrase. Eventually your bird will start to roll the ball back to you. Before you know it, he or she will pick it up and fling it at you! And that is when the fun really starts!

Watch the bird’s body language. Determine if your bird is adapting to the game and wants to play more before attempting the next play session. Knowing your bird’s body language will help you assess if your bird is truly enjoying “Playing Catch.”
 

**Dancing & Let's Get Crazy!**

Not everyone is an expert at dancing--certainly not me! When I dance with my birds, I draw the shades and turn on a song that has a good beat to it (My flock’s favorite CD is Banaphone by Raffi). Turn up the volume so the bird gets into the rhythm.

Are you keeping an open mind?

Good—this is where the fun begins! Stand in front of your bird, and then start to sway and sing. Don't worry--the neighbors wont hear you! Swing your arms to the music and clap and bounce. Before you know, it your bird will be dancing right with you.

Be careful with dramatic arm movements over your head. These large, sweeping motions can sometimes startle and intimidate a bird. Take it easy with the John Travolta “Saturday Night Fever” moves until you know what your bird will accept.

My Oliver LOVES Banaphone so much, that when I ask him "Do you want to hear Banaphone?" he nods so incessantly that his body bounces then he skips from side to side! If you have some song favorites, bring your bird into the room. He will love to join you in a song festival! Whatever your personal taste in songs, your bird will love to listen and sing right along with you!
 

**Peek A Boo**

An old standard but a GREAT favorite! Peek A Boo can be played anywhere—in the bedroom, the family room, or in a bird’s cage.

Take a small plain towel that is light in color--some birds do not like patterns on towels. Hold the towel between you and your bird, and say "Where are you?" in a high tone. Drop the towel, and say "PEEK A BOOOO, I SEEEEE YOU!" 

My little grey will not wait for the towel to come down! He flies to the top of the hand towel and says "PEEK A BOO!” Too cute!
 

**Nite Nite**

For a little quiet time before bed, why not read a nice book with your bird? This is not only a nice way to bond, it will relax both you and your pet bird. Children's books, poems, a nice novel, passages from the bible—all are good subjects for bedtime reading, as long as you and your bird are enjoying yourselves.

A story at bedtime is a good routine to establish with your bird. Birds are flock animals, thriving on the attention we give them. The ritual of a bedtime story is a great way to spend quiet time with your feathered companion.
 

 **Gonna Getcha**

This game is especially beneficial when trying to accustom your bird to your fingers, and being touched in areas they are protective of.

The game can be played anywhere in the house—the bed, a table, or on top the cage. Use your fingers like a spider, making your hand crawl towards the bird and say "I'm gonna GETCHA!" and be sure to emphasize the GETCHA! They usually go running away from you but within seconds they are back for another round!

Once your bird is accustomed to this game of “chase,” you can start exploring new areas. For example, try to gently touch your bird’s belly or beak when emphasizing GETCHA. This becomes a "hands on" type of game, getting your bird involved in touching those “off limit” areas. Not only does this type of touch increase your bond with your bird, it increases his or her sense of trust in you as a flock member.
 

By Monica Gonzalez, Published 1999. Revised 2/23/05
© Grey Feather Toy Creations™