In this article we will cover the sensory enrichment of blind psittacine Birds (Parrots & Parakeets). I have been blessed to have many blind & visually impaired Birds in my care over the years & hope to be able to care for many more in the future. What is heartbreaking about blind Birds is not the fact they are blind, but the fact that people so quickly write them off. The blind Bird who has been most receptive to sensory enrichment was a 30-year-old Meyers Parrot who was blind due to cataracts & also suffered from severe arthritis, his family were going to put him to sleep when they discovered he was blind, but thankfully we were able to take him on.
Parrot & Parakeet owners are becoming more aware of enrichment, which is an essential element of their care, the internet is a remarkable resource for owners to learn about enrichment & share tips. Sadly, disabled Birds, especially those with visual issues, are often left out of that conversation. So, in honor of the blind Birds I love, let’s hear their voices. Determining a sensory enrichment program that suits the individual needs & personalities of each individual Bird can take time but never give up. Sadly, I can’t give a 1 size fits all approach, but hopefully by covering some of my methods I will give you some ideas which can act as building blocks for your own plan.
Tip 1: Assess levels of eyesight– A Bird with visual issues may have some subtle forms of eyesight. Whilst it isn’t enough to allow them to live in an un-adapted environment, it may be enough to play a role in sensory enrichment. An avian vet will be able to assist you with testing levels of eyesight safely if you are not experienced. Some Birds are completely blind, others can’t see even really close objects, but they may be able to see certain types of light or shadow. I have a Cockatiel who can only see certain colored lights, so a dear friend donated a fiber optic color changing lamp that we used for her supervised light therapy, she loved every moment of it! I also have an elderly blind Cockatiel who has been unresponsive to any kind of light, but just today we discovered he can see bubbles! He screamed with joy once he realized they were not a threat. It is always worth trying to find any limited sight as you can use it for such good.
Tip 2: Auditory input– Giving auditory stimulation to blind Birds is something that must be taken slowly, new sounds can be very confusing & overwhelming when you can’t see, some Birds may never enjoy it. Enrichment must be enjoyable, so sounds should be kept at a reasonable volume, quiet subtle sounds are best. Peaceful music is a good starting point, anything for meditation, relaxation etc. is the perfect style for a blind Bird to enjoy.
Introduction of small toy balls with bells inside them are great for a sensory session. My first blind Cockatiel learned to play catch with a ball that had a bell inside, the Meyers mentioned earlier loved something called ‘reach out therapy’. This consisted or ringing a jingling ball & encouraging him to reach out & grab it, this activity transformed his co-ordination & helped him locate in his environment with extreme accuracy, when previously he wouldn’t move around.
Tip 3: Tactile enrichment– Blind Birds tend to go a lot by feel, tactile enrichment can really boost their confidence as well as adding a therapeutic presence to their day. For this you need to find Bird safe items of varying textures, the items can go down on a surface for them to stand on, they can be laid around a surface to be touched during a supervised session or gently stroked against the cheek of a more confident & tamer Bird. Food can also be used as a form of tactile enrichment if they will eat from a spoon, this also adds taste into the mix which gives another layer of sensory enrichment. Make sure it is all Bird safe & rich in a variety of nutrients that will support good health, feeding junk is counterproductive when we are trying to make them healthy! Things such as pureed safe fruit & veg or Harrison’s mash or juvenile food mixed into a paste give a wonderful texture. You can also mix it up a bit & have some smooth, then with others add whole Harrison’s pellets, sprouted seeds or sweet corn to the smooth mixture for added texture & nutrition.
There is no end to the possibilities of enrichment programs for blind Birds, just take it slowly & be safe. If you are unsure of anything, always check with a vet or behaviorist before you try it out. When a Bird is blind, they need to be taught how to navigate their world through their remaining senses, especially touch. Blind Birds can & do have a wonderful quality of life if you are prepared to give them a quality of life. We don’t kill a human when they become blind, we simply teach them how to adapt & offer the accommodations they need to thrive in the world around them. With Birds it should be no different. You have the potential to give them the wonderful life they deserve. Never give up on their right to enrichment. Have fun & always remember, love is felt, not seen.