Pine Cone Enrichment

Step-By-Step

How I Sanitize my Pine Cones so They are Safe for Parrots:

Wash and remove any debris from the pine cones. If you use water and the pine cones close, set them out to dry till they open back up before moving onto the next step.

Next, heavily line your parrot safe baking sheets with tin foil or alternative. When the sap comes off the pine cones, it will stick to EVERYTHING!!

Place your pine cones on your lined tray. They can be touching, but I do not recommend doing multiple layers.

Make at 220 until the sap is off. I average around 30 minutes. Some pine cones have more sap than others, so be sure to check them.

Once the sap is removed, let them cool and continue with the festivities!

Making the Paste:

This part is simple! All you have to do is mix an equal part of all purpose flour to water and stir!

Applying the Paste and Treats:

You can take either a paint brush or a spoon and apply the paste to the pinecones. A little goes a long way here!

While it is still wet, carefully take either your parrot treats or your wild bird seed mix and apply it. With parrots, do not apply too many treats at once to the pine cone. You want to space out how many treats you give your parrot and extend their time foraging. For wild birds, you do not have to limit how much goes on each cone. For parrots, feel free to also use their pellets!

Prop the pinecone up and let them dry!

Once they are dry, the treats will not fall off by tipping it upside down, but it will be easy for the birds to remove the food they are interested in.

Show us your bird enjoying their enrichment idea on social media!

Follow us on social media and tag us in your post of you recreating this enrichment idea and your bird enjoying it!

Fluff and Feathers is not responsible for human or avian safety with this enrichment idea, instructions, and use. It is up to the individual recreating this idea to ensure safety with preparing the pine cones, sourcing the food used, and giving it to their parrot. Always consult your vet when giving new food items to your animal, as it may be harmful for your individual bird.