The big trend in zoos is to enrich animals’ lives by making food gathering a challenge. This gives them something to do other than pace in their cages all day.

The same principle applies to pet parrots. Parrot-doxically, psittacines crave attention almost constantly but few of us have the luxury of being able to stay 24/7 with our pets.

In lieu of that, there are a number of commercially available products to keep these intelligent birds challenged and occupied – and rewarded with a tasty treat.

The roulette-style wheel, pictured here, has one opening through which the bird can grab a sunflower seed or other small treat – but first it must be turned to the proper chamber.

Another favorite snack, peanuts; must be squeezed and yanked through the bars of a small hanging plastic cage – and shelling the peanut is a second stage challenge!

Many brightly colored, acrylic puzzle-type toys on the market will do the trick, like a see-through plastic treasure chest on which two keys must be turned to get at the treat inside.

A kabob-like skewer makes eating fruit or corn on the cob like eating off a tree or stalk. Bonus points: there’s less waste and clean up.