James Harris, DVM
Pet birds need exercise, too
 We have had a male greenwing macaw for the last 17 years. He is large as far as macaws go. I don't know how old he was when I got him, but he grew a couple of inches initially. He was not hand-raised. Whether he's outside on his T-bar perch, on his T-bar playpen, or in his large cage, he doesn't get much exercise, beyond standing and flapping. How much exercise does a large companion parrot need each day? He eats well and has full feathers.
-- Mark Hanks, St. Petersburg, Florida
 BIRDS NEED EXERCISE just as we do to stay healthy. As in mammals, obesity can lead to arthritis, circulatory disease and diabetes. Ideally, birds fly free and spend fifty percent of their day finding food. There is no question that captivity - and food always available in a dish right under their beaks - leads some birds to weight problems. Lack of exercise also contributes to muscle atrophy and poor conditioning overall.
To be on the safe side, before you attempt any type of exercise program for your bird you should have him examined thoroughly by a veterinarian. Discuss with your veterinarian a proper diet. If your bird is overweight, reduce the level of carbohydrates in the diet and increase vegetables. Record your bird's weight and check it from time to time using a gram scale. (You can purchase one at many online bird-supply stores, such as Birdsafe).
Some owners do not clip their birds' wings so they can fly for better physical and mental health. Flighted birds are subject to another set of problems, of course - escape, flying into windows, landing on hot stoves. But if you're careful, you can minimize the risks.
It's easier to encourage a small pet bird to fly than a large one. If possible, owners of small birds such as budgies should supply large flight cages and place a small amount of food in containers positioned at opposite ends. This might encourage flying from one end of the cage to the other in order to feed.
It's more difficult to get larger species that have become sedentary, such as macaws, to fly for exercise, unless you have a large outdoor aviary, which few people do. However, it's possible to teach almost any bird to fly short distances if you can provide motivation, such as a treat or the opportunity to be with you. A number of people now advocate the free flight of parrots outdoors, a dangerous practice that the typical bird owner should not attempt. However, these sites' training methods can be used indoors, too.
Assuming your bird was fairly young 17 years ago, Mark, he has the potential to live another 40 years. It would be wonderful if he could exercise and fly more to help ensure a healthier remainder of his life.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
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