ATTENTION, BIRD OWNERS! GET SET FOR FUN AND GAMES WITH YOUR PET
 Here are some ways to get the party started.

To stay happy and healthy, all birds should have time outside their cage for at least 1 to 3 hours every day. Be sure to keep 'em busy with fun, safe toys--the avian jungle gyms available at pet-supply stores, built on wood bases with branches, often fit the bill. Many toys that small dogs play with are fine for conures, and parrots enjoy rawhide chews.

• Most birds absolutely love to take baths, so make sure yours has separate cups of water for drinking and bathing. There are special covered bird baths that fit right into the cage door. They'll prevent your bird from splashing all over and allow you to watch the fun.
• You can also give your bird a shower with a spray bottled filled with warm water. (No need to use soap--that could hurt your pet.)
• An upside-down Frisbee filled with water makes a great bird bath. Just make sure she doesn't chew on it.
• Cockatiels love to climb on their cages and play with hanging toys. These movers and shakers prefer tall cages, so they can climb up to the highest perch.
• Some birds like to be handled. If yours does, be gentle and careful when first getting her used to it. Try not to make any sudden movements when handling her, and don't handle her for a lengthy period of time. Baby birds especially can tire quickly. Your bird can easily get bumped coming in and out of the cage door, so take extra-special care during the ins and outs.

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