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Parrots Can Paint!

Parrots are highly intelligent animals, estimated to be on par with the most intelligent mammalian species. Parrots' intellectual capacity is most often described as similar to that of a three to five year old human child. Like most highly intelligent species, parrots live within a complex social structure and young birds are dependent on a protracted developmental stage during which they learn the skills they need to survive. They form strong social bonds with their mates, siblings, and the entire flock. In the wild, parrots spend their days foraging for food, socializing, playing, and flying free.

In captivity, parrots often receive little enrichment, have no contact with other birds, and are confined to cages for all or most of the day. Many birds who are surrendered to MAARS have never been out of their cages, have had few or no toys, stimulation or sufficient social interaction, and have spent hours, days, weeks - or longer - in total isolation.

MAARS provides a safe home for those birds with experienced and expert Volunteer Staff to provide for them. Each birds has as large an enclosure as possible with a variety of toys and perches to provide exercise and enrichment. The MAARS flock is fed a varied and nutritious diet. Birds receive out-of-cage play-time every day and are encouraged to interact with both Volunteer Staff and other birds.

At MAARS Volunteer Staff are always looking for new ways to enrich the lives of the MAARS flock. Volunteers have taught the birds how to fly, play games (making humans fetch is a favorite!!), and seek to learn the particular interests and likes of each individual bird.

MAARS was inspired to offer birds at the shelter an opportunity to paint by the work of other captive wildlife sanctuaries and rescues, especially those serving elephants and primates. Not all birds choose to paint or find it to be a stimulating activity, and the skills and interest levels of those who do choose to paint - and enjoy it - vary greatly.

The birds use both their beaks and feet to hold the paint brushes and put the brush to canvas themselves. When we first began painting with the birds we chose the paint colors for them, but after a few sessions they caught on to dipping the brush into the paint on the pallet and we let them choose the colors they wanted to use.

The birds were very excited seeing the colors come to life on paper, and while there may not be a budding Picasso amongst the MAARS flock, painting provides a new and fun challenge for some birds living in captivity.

Click on an image below to order one of these unique paintings or prints!

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