How Technology Is Changing Playtime for Parrots
keep busy: to stay active or occupied by doing something
Parrots are intelligent animals that need stimulation. In the wild, they are busy interacting with nature and birds. But for those that live as pets or in zoos, extra activity is needed.
Researchers think that touch screen technology is one way the birds can keep busy. In one study, 20 parrots played games on a tablet for 30 minutes a day. They used their beaks and tongues to pop virtual balloons on the screen. The problem was that the parrots had to turn their heads to the side to find the next balloon. This made it hard for them to play. One possible solution is to use the tablet’s camera to adjust the game based on the bird’s position. This could help make the games easier for them to play.
See how one bird lover is using technology to both entertain and educate her pet parrot in the video below.
Sample sentences
1. On rainy days, Lisa keeps busy by drawing and painting.
2. After retiring, John kept busy with gardening and hiking.
3. To keep busy during the flight, he read a book and watched a movie.
Read More:
Parrots can play tablet games for enrichment. Now researchers are studying how to improve them for birds to use