Environmental enrichment improves behavior and welfare in captive cockatiels (2026)

Aguiar, R. M., Châline, N., de Azevedo, C. S.

Abstract

Environmental enrichment is widely used to enhance the welfare of captive animals, particularly in cognitively complex species such as parrots. This study experimentally evaluated the behavioral effects of two enrichment categories: object-based items and food-based enrichment on captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). Forty adult birds were observed across three phases: a 30-day baseline without enrichment (March–April 2023), followed by a 30-day acclimatization period (May 2023), a 30-day enrichment phase (June–July 2023), and a post-enrichment phase after a 30-day latency (September–October 2023). Behavioral data were collected through focal animal sampling and analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. Enrichment reduced stress-related behaviors, with a 58 % decrease in FDB directed to conspecifics (IRR = 0.42, p < 0.001) and a 43 % decrease in self-directed FDB (IRR = 0.57, p = 0.034). While FDB directed to conspecifics reductions persisted post-enrichment, the effect on self-directed FDB did not. Positive behaviors also increased, with greater flight activity during enrichment (IRR = 1.43, p < 0.001) and a significant rise in mating behavior in the post-enrichment phase (IRR = 2.27, p = 0.021). Object-based enrichment items elicited significantly more engagement than food-based ones (p < 0.001). Interindividual variation was notable. Cluster analysis revealed distinct behavioral profiles, ranging from highly responsive to non-responsive individuals. These results reveal substantial interindividual variation, suggesting that birds differ in their responsiveness to enrichment. Overall, enrichment reduced stress-related behaviors and promoted behavioral flexibility, as evidenced by the capacity of individuals to adjust their activity patterns in response to changing environmental conditions. These findings support the use of tailored enrichment protocols to enhance the welfare of captive psittacines.