Photo by Amanda Stevens Location: Waynesboro, VA Playing: Galah "Bandit" 

Preferably, I like setting my aviaries up on grass. When that isn't available, dirt is fine and when that isn't available that usually means it's on gravel or cement, or inside a building and their ground is sawdust. But I love it when they can be set up on untreated grass. This is why I love our aviaries at home, too.

We never have to mow the grass inside, or pull the weeds or anything... our birds completely mow the grass for us and they loving rolling around in it and playing with it.

When we visited our friends in Virginia (the many times we've been lucky enough to on our tour route) I told them not to worry about mowing the grass inside, because they were half way done doing so. "Let my birds do it!" I said. And so they began to.

Just like I tell you to buy the USDA certified organic wheat grass in local pet stores and super markets for your birds, grass outside that isn't treated with pesticides is great for them too and serves many purposes.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.