Diggin' the dirt!

[Mare]

Once in awhile, I see Amigo on the ground digging around. He mostly used his beak to break up, then move the dirt..he'll also scratch the ground like a chicken. I've discovered that he likes roots from the weeds or grass. I was on the deck for this photo, I'll try and get a close up next time I see him do this.
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[Lady]

Sounds like foraging fun as well!

[kendrafitz]

What an awesome photo. Amigo is such a busy guy and so lucky to lead the life he does.

[spiritbird]

Does he eat insects too?

[Mare]

I've never seen him eat a bug, I've seen him toss a big ant off of a branch he was on but I've never seen him eat one. Bees and flys freak him out, he'll fly off quickly if being hassled by them.

[Pinkbirdy]

Must be a Too thing :) Mine dig at their pretend dirt [[newspaper ],Digging keeps Toos happy :)

[Mare]

Terri, I've never done this but do you think your toos might enjoy a box filled a few inches deep with soil? Maybe some treats buried?

[Pinkbirdy]

Yes ,I would think they would . Try to find another material than soil though . Maybe someone else can chime in on this .

[cdog]

I use a bin full of pieces of old toys. I just hide nutriberries on the bottom, sometimes they find them, sometimes they don't.

[Mare]

Why would soil be a "no-no"? Is it because you would be introducing your bird to..?..germs?..just curious to your reasoning.

[wingman]

Sounds gross but maybe you could microwave the soil first to kill the nasties in it?
Or use clean potting soil?

[Mare]

I grew up with dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, horses, monkey..etc..maybe I have a tolerance? Dirt..is good for you :)

[cdog]

Just plain ole' backyard dirt should be fine, seeing how it is what wild birds/animals play in. However, soil(potting soil) would most likely be bad. After all, it is essentially moss, bark, and industrial perlite(which would be bad to ingest).

[PlaxMacaws]

One point of concern is that soil may harbor dangerous parasites (and/or their eggs). Plain ole' backyard dirt can vary among locations in terms of content. And that's true not only from region to region... but from block to block or parcel to parcel as well.

[Minamommy]

Mina digs in front of her door by the corner in her bedroom. I'm going to have to try the newspaper idea.