The holiday season is the perfect time to share some festive joy with your parrots. One way to bring that holiday cheer to your bird is by making a DIY Foraging advent calendar parrot toy! Not only will this project engage your birds in some fun foraging, but it’s also a fantastic way to keep them active and mentally stimulated throughout December. Here’s how to create a simple, enriching, and festive foraging toy using an empty advent calendar.
Materials Needed to DIY Foraging Advent Calendar
- Empty advent calendar (with doors or compartments) Link
- Nuts (unsalted and fresh varieties like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, etc)
- Freeze-dried bird treats: I used treats from Texas Natural Freeze Dried
- Shredded Paper
Step 1: Prepare the Advent Calendar
Depending on the type of advent calendar you have, you may need to assemble one from scratch using cardboard sheets to create compartments. If you wish to hang the advent calendar, make two holes in one compartment. Thread a zip tie through the two holes and zip it close. Leave enough room in the back for a link.
Step 2: Fill Each Compartment with Treats
Now comes the fun part—filling the compartments! Here’s what you can include:
- Nuts: Place a single nut some of the compartments.
- Freeze-dried treats: Add small pieces of freeze-dried treats.
Feel free to mix and match the contents of each compartment to keep things interesting for your parrot. The element of surprise will encourage your bird to keep coming back for more! I also left some compartments empty because I'm mean. Fill all the compartments with shredded paper.
Step 3: Hang or Place the Calendar in Your Bird's Play Area
Find a safe spot to hang or place the advent calendar where your bird can access it easily. You can secure it on the side of their cage or set it on a playstand. Ensure it’s stable and safe for your bird to interact with.
Step 4: Let the Foraging Fun Begin!
Let your bird have at it and figure out how to open the doors themselves! This DIY toy is a fantastic way to engage your parrot in problem-solving while keeping them entertained during the holiday season. Plus, it provides them with a daily dose of healthy treats they’ll love.
Tips for Success:
- Supervise your bird while they’re playing with the advent calendar, especially if it’s their first time with a toy like this. Some birds may need a little encouragement to start exploring. Make a hole or partly open the door if needed.
- Make sure the nuts you use are unsalted and free of seasonings.
- Always double-check that the calendar materials are safe for your bird to chew on.
Why Foraging Toys Are Great for Birds
Foraging is a natural behavior for parrots. In the wild, they spend a significant amount of time searching for food, which keeps their minds sharp and their bodies active. By providing foraging opportunities at home, you’re helping your birds stay mentally stimulated and happy. A DIY foraging advent calendar is a great way to incorporate this enrichment into their routine, making the holiday season extra special for your parrot.
More Articles on Foraging Bird Toys
DIY Foraging Toys for Parrots: How to Make a Foraging Bucket and Pizza Box Toy
Parrot Foraging Behavior: A Comprehensive Guide
How do I keep my bird entertained?
Monika Sangar
Co-founder of Prego Dalliance Sanctuary, Artisan of PDS Parrot Shop
Monika Sangar, the co-founder of Prego Dalliance Sanctuary, a 501c3 non-profit organization, uses these blogs to share her hands-on experience with parrots.
She is a designer and artisan at PDS Parrot Shop, and her craft can be viewed below. (click on icon)
