Parrots Engaging with Tablet Technology for Enrichment
Discover how researchers are delving into the world of designing bird-friendly tablets to enhance the lives of parrots. Explore the integration of technology for the enrichment of our feathered friends.
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Parrots are intelligent creatures, with certain species showing problem-solving abilities similar to that of a young child. So if young children can use technology, why can't parrots?
Researchers wanted to understand why parrots should use technology for cognitive enrichment. In a recent study from March, they looked into how tablets could be improved for the intelligent birds.
To test this, the researchers created a balloon-popping tablet game and observed 20 pet parrots playing it. They discovered that the birds' interest in the game suggested that mental stimulation could be a potential benefit. However, they also found that the birds' anatomy posed a challenge when interacting with the screens. The parrots had to use their tongue and beak to pop virtual balloons, often with their eyes very close to the screen. This made it difficult for them to find the next target without turning their head or pulling back.
A parrot pops virtual balloons by using its tongue and beak.
Kleinberger et al.
The study, which has been reviewed by peers, provides a framework for researchers to develop bird-friendly tablets. Lead author Rébecca Kleinberger will present the findings at the upcoming ACM CHI conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in May.
Rébecca Kleinberger, an assistant professor at Northeastern University, mentioned that many animals in managed care, zoos, and homes interact with technology daily. However, there is limited research on how technology impacts animals' experiences and how we can improve technology for animal enrichment.
Kleinberger leads the INTERACT Animal Lab, a group of researchers exploring how technology can improve the well-being of dogs, orcas, and birds. In a recent announcement from Northeastern University, it was shared that the team conducted a study in 2023. The study found that a flock of parrots found joy in connecting with their fellow feathered friends through video calls.
18 dogs and their owners participated in the experiment.
18 dogs and their owners participated in the experiment.
Oszkar Daniel Gati
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Having a caretaker around can help parrots like grey parrots stay stimulated. Irene Pepperberg, an expert in grey parrots from Boston University, suggests that incorporating tablets into their routine can provide the much-needed enrichment.
In the wild, parrots spend their time cracking nuts, juicing bark, and interacting with other birds in their flock. Pepperberg explains that they have exciting days filled with various activities. Therefore, it is essential to offer captive birds some form of enrichment to keep them engaged.
Rébecca Kleinberger is the principal investigator of the INTERACT Animal Lab, a team of researchers who study how technology can enrich the lives of dogs, orcas and birds.
The birds interacted with the tablet for no more than 30 minutes a day.
Rébecca Kleinberger
B8C6TT MEXICAN AXOLOTL
Researchers designed the tablet game to be used by a parrot in collaboration with the bird's caretaker.
Rébecca Kleinberger
Tablets tailored for parrots
Seventeen parrots participated in a study where they used a touch screen for up to 30 minutes daily for three months. Two birds lost interest and dropped out, while one bird displayed signs of stress. Caretakers observed the parrots at home, maintaining their regular routines. The human participants in the study also helped by praising and motivating their feathered friends to stay engaged.
Some parrots showed accuracy in tapping targets on the screen, while others appeared more interested in interacting with their caretakers.
Kleinberger emphasized that the games were designed to be used within the social context of the birds' existing interactions with their caregivers. The system aims to strengthen the bond between humans and animals.
Rébecca Kleinberger is the principal investigator of the INTERACT Animal Lab, a team of researchers who study how technology can enrich the lives of dogs, orcas and birds.
One way to enhance tablet designs for birds is by utilizing the camera on the device to get a better understanding of the bird's location and make adjustments accordingly. Additionally, researchers suggest redesigning the game layout with the parrot's proximity to the screen in mind, allowing the bird to see the targets more clearly. This adjustment can lead to an improved gaming experience for the birds, as noted by Kleinberger.
Furthermore, the researchers also found a solution to the issue of birds rapidly tapping on one target multiple times and becoming frustrated. By limiting the tablets to register only one tap per 300 milliseconds, the researchers observed that one bird displayed increased interest in playing the game. This modification effectively addressed the problem and enhanced the overall gaming experience for the birds.
It is not surprising that birds can learn to follow a circle on a screen. According to Kurt Sladky, a clinical professor of zoological medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine, birds have a higher capacity for intelligence. Sladky, who was not part of the new study, mentioned this.
Birds often engage in feather picking out of boredom or sexual frustration, as observed by Sladky. To prevent this boredom, he believes that playing games could be beneficial. Birds enjoy noises, music, and watching things. Sladky has noticed that his feathered patients show interest in watching YouTube videos of other birds.
B8C6TT MEXICAN AXOLOTL
Stephen Dalton/Avalon.red/Alamy Stock Photo
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Mobile games for parrot enrichment
When introducing tablets into a parrot's routine, it's crucial for the owner to engage with the bird, according to Pepperberg. Leaving a tablet in the cage is similar to leaving young children with a tablet all day.
Each bird has its own preferences when it comes to games, with some being more enjoyable than others, she mentioned. It's important for pet owners to observe their birds for signs of aggression or irritability when using the tablet and to limit tablet playtime to prevent overuse.
Kleinberger mentioned how technology has greatly impacted human lives, both positively and negatively, over the past century. He emphasized the importance of using technology to enhance the well-being of animals ethically and sustainably, rather than replacing the human interaction they require for their enrichment.
Editor's P/S:
The study on the use of tablets for cognitive enrichment in parrots sheds light on the potential benefits and challenges of introducing technology into animal care. The researchers' findings highlight the importance of understanding the unique anatomy and behavioral patterns of birds to design user-friendly interfaces. Additionally, the study underscores the role of caretakers in facilitating positive interactions between birds and technology, ensuring that it complements rather than replaces human companionship.
Further research is needed to develop bird-friendly tablets that address the limitations identified in the study, such as the difficulty parrots have in seeing targets on the screen. The use of cameras and proximity sensors could enhance the gaming experience, allowing birds to navigate the tablet more easily. By taking into account the cognitive abilities and behavioral needs of parrots, researchers can create technology that promotes their well-being and supports their natural behaviors.
