The green plant parrot project

Abstract

A home-based study explored how adding green visual stimuli, in the form of live potted plants and a jungle mural, influenced pet parrots’ behaviour. Three parrots (one African grey and two cockatiels) were observed across 10 days using an A–B–A design (two-day baseline, six-day intervention, two-day return). Positive behavioural indicators (movement, preening, vocalising, eating) and negative indicators (quiet wakefulness, resting, distress) were tracked. Across all subjects, the intervention phase showed clear increases in positive behaviours and reductions in negative behaviours. These findings suggest visual greenery can enhance welfare for companion parrots. Further research is needed to isolate causal factors and assess broader application.