I was wondering if anyone here has this DVD or viewed it. I am a big fan of using foraging with my birds and was wondering if this DVD is worthwhile. Here's a description of it and it can be purchased from Amazon.com for $24.95.

Captive Foraging: The Next Best Thing to Being Free

by Dr. M. Scott Echols

This innovative DVD is destined to change the way caretakers view their captive birds. Based on the model of the natural foraging instinct of all animals, author and videographer Dr. Scott Echols introduces the concept of including a foraging tree in a bird's enclosure for environmental enrichment. The video describes how a foraging tree can potentially reduce the incidence of unwanted behaviors in captive birds. Also included are step-by-step directions on how to use a foraging tree as well as safe foraging toys for birds. A separate Special Feature details scientific information about the bird species included in the program. Topics covered include understanding the natural foraging instinct of all animals; preventing unwanted behaviors, such as feather destruction and repetitive functionless activity; build a foraging tree for captive birds; and creating foraging toys — from basic to advanced — to keep birds occupied and happy. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to qualified avian research projects selected by the author.

They showed it at a meeting of my local bird club a few weeks ago. I'm glad I saw it but I wouldn't want to pay $25 for it. Basically, you construct a playgym with several arms (I think they recommended at least 6) and a food cup at the end of each arm. In the beginning you place a small treat in each cup and let the bird find it. You progress to putting treats in only some cups and gradually making it harder to get into the cup. To make it get harder, at first you put something lightweight over the cup like an unsecured piece of paper. Then you secure the paper with a rubberband, then go to a piece of light cardboard or wrap the treats in something that has to be ripped off, etc. If your bird is highly skilled you can progress to tricky foraging toys.

There's a bit of a description at Prevent Bird Boredom and you might be able to find more if you go searching for it.