Having a public zoo/aquarium backround, I know that animals in captivity require a certain level of enrichment. Some get it through their environment, food, and/or interaction with other animals, while others are offered 'toys'. Generally 'toys' are reserved for the more inteligent animals. I have seen different raptor facilities offer a variety of 'toys' for enrichment to their birds at all/varying stages of their lifes. These range from corks (like from wine bottles) to tennis balls, and even stuffed toys and pieces of clothes. I once heard of someone allowing their birds to shread news papers and soft paper books like phone books. Does anyone on here know of any types of 'toys' used for raptor enrichment and how they are utilized? My other question is do you really see a difference (good/bad) provided 'toys' as enrichment?
Some people use Toys in the mews during the molt , from sticks and pine cones to tennis balls and small plastic bottles. As you stated , the more intelligent or social of the raptors will gain more benefit from the mental stimuli . The Harris Hawk is one who is more likely to use toys in the mews . My first Male RT played with old sticks and plastic bottles during the molt . My next female RT seemed to care less about them. Both Actively "played" in the bath pan daily on hot days . The male being way more of a show man in the water .
It is good to have an end to Journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the End. - Ernest Hemingway