A Survey of Environmental Enrichment Practices from Guardians of Companion Parrots

Parrots are among the most popular pets, yet few studies have examined how guardians provide their birds with environmental enrichment (EE). This study described common EE practices, identified underutilized strategies, documented behavior problems, and explored guardian motivations using a global online survey (n = 619, November 2020-February 2021). Most participants had heard of EE (88.8%), and nearly all reported intentionally providing it once defined (98.8%). Common practices included varying diet, rotating toys, encouraging bathing, and facilitating social interactions, however, diet-based enrichment often raised nutritional concerns. Fewer than half of parrots received cardiovascular exercise via flight (48.9%), foraging-based activities (46.2%), or positive reinforcement training (34.6%). Human interaction was commonly perceived as the most preferred EE by birds, followed by food-based and destructible toys. Guardian age was associated with EE motivations (χ², p = 0.034 to <0.001), with younger guardians more commonly citing welfare-related reasons. Most guardians (65.4%) reported at least one behavior concern, with aggressive and compulsive behaviours frequently being co-reported with fearfulness. Together these findings provide a foundation for evidence-based strategies to promote companion parrot welfare.