Parrot toys are not just another accessory to get, but one of the most important things a bird needs. Lack of mental stimulation can make your Parrot bored, which can result in many behavioral issues such as biting, feather plucking, and screaming. In this article, we will discuss all the essential fun and DIY Parrot toys that can be made easily. These toys are safe, affordable, and can keep them engaged. Providing a fun toy for your feathered friend can help strengthen the bond.
Why Parrot toys are more than just essential
Fun Parrot toys play a major role in both the physical and mental state of your feathered friend. The mimicking, problem-solving, climbing, and so many other skills that Parrots do naturally are possible because of constant enrichment.
Benefits of Parrot enrichment toys
- Little or no stress and anxiety
- Eliminate behavioral problems such as feather plucking
- Encourage activities like foraging, chewing, and shredding
- Increase their cognitive health
- Serve as physical exercise
- Strengthen the bond between the birds and their owners
- Encourage species-specific behaviors
DIY or Already made Toys
DIY toys are handmade toys that involve customization and it's also cost-efficiency, while already made Parrot toys are easy and convenient.
Importance of DIY Toys
- Can be made with your bird's preferences
- Easy to construct or rebuild
- Are made with safe and non-toxic materials
- Cost-efficiency
- Can help grow the bond
- Prevent waste through recycling household materials
Materials for DIY
DIY building requires safe and non-toxic materials, which are:
- Natural, untreated wood like balsa, pine
- Sisal or cotton rope (do not use frayed ends)
- Coconut shell
- Paper towel
- Cardboard without ink or glue
- Plain popsicle sticks (no dyes)
- Bird-safe plastic or stainless steel
- Small, non-toxic food-grade silicone
Do not use:
- Paint or dyes that are not bird-safe
- Glues with chemicals
- Materials with sharp edges or choking hazards
- Plastic that can splinter
Fun and Easy DIY Parrot Toys
Foraging Balls
Materials: Crumpled paper, treats like nuts and dried fruit
Method: Wrap and fold the treat into a layer of crumpled paper and arrange it in the cage.
Cardboard Stack Chewer
Materials: Cardboard squares, wooden beads, and safe ropes
Method: Arrange and thread with the rope, alternating layers of cardboard and wooden beads, and hang it in the cage.
Coconut Shell Swing
Materials: Clean coconut shell, rope, and wooden dowel
Method: Make a small hole in the shell, join a perch with the dowel stick, and suspend it somewhere in the cage. Beautiful and fun!
Popsicle Stick Tower
Materials: Plain popsicle sticks, safe glue or string
Method: Interlock and stack sticks together to make a destructible tower. Perfect for a beak workout.
Muffin Tin Puzzle
Materials: Muffin tin, crinkled paper, treats
Method: Hide treats in the tin and let them seek it. Very fun and encourages problem-solving skills.
Natural Rope Ladder
Materials: Sisal rope, dowel rod or sticks
Method: Use the dowel to make a ladder and hang it in the cage for climbing.
Recycled Bottle Cap Rattle
Materials: Clean plastic bottle caps, stainless steel wire or zip ties
Method: Create small holes on the caps and tie them together to make a rattling toy.
Apple Branch Perch Chewer
Materials: Apple tree branches (clean and pesticide-free).
Method: Fix and arrange natural branches in the cage, perfect for beak and foot exercise.
Reasons for Toy Rotation
Frequent use of a particular toy can be boring at times. Rotate the toys regularly to keep the fun.
Here are the signs that your Parrot is tired of a particular toy:
- No usage for some time in a row.
- Toys being chewed
- Visible wear and fray
- Total disinterest
Signs that they love the toy
- Play it up always, and choose it over others
- Vocalizes near the toy
- Fully engaged
- Trying to engage them in activities like "feeding".
Reasons for Parrot Toy Inspection
DIY Parrot toys should be inspected every few days:
- To check and get rid of sharp edges.
- To replace weak and trim frayed ropes.
- To replace damaged parts.
- Cross-check metal parts for rust and wear.
Parrot Toys according to species Preferences
Budgies and Cockatiels
- They love small, lightweight toys
- Shreddable and chewable toys
- Love hanging bells and paper chains.
African Greys and Amazons
- Prefer high-stimulation setups
- Love puzzle toys
- Toys that emit sounds and have good texture.
Macaws and Cockatoos
- Heavy-duty chewers
- Love thick wood and rope components
- Prefer destructible and load-bearing toys.
Benefits of Play for a Parrot
Playing is one of the most important things that keeps Parrots mentally active. And Parrot toys enable quality play. Parrot toys help simulate wild and destructive behavior. According to research, quality play enables better problem-solving and emotional stability in a parrot. Parrot toys help create a safe outlet for energy, intelligence, and curiosity.
FAQs
Which DIY Parrot toys are the best?
Foraging, chewing toys are said to be the best, along with problem-solving toys like crumpled treat balls, cardboard stacks, and puzzle trays.
How often can I change my Parrot's toys?
For better mental stimulation, a weekly rotation is best.
How safe is cardboard for a Parrot?
It's very safe as long as there is no ink, glue, or staples on them.
Is it safe to use glue in DIY parrot toys?
Use bird-safe glue only, or use knots and strings instead.
How do I know if my Parrot is bored?
Look out for behavioral problems like feather plucking, screaming, or pacing. New toys often solve the issue.
What is the safest type of wood for parrot toys?
The preferred woods are apple, pine, and balsa, which are very safe. Avoid pressure-treated wood.
Can my Parrot play with my household items?
Yes, so far they are certified safe, non-toxic, and chemical-free.
Conclusion
DIY Parrot toys are not just toys; they help maintain and sustain parrots' mental health. You don't have to wait until you get an already made toy before your parrot owns a toy, just a few safe materials and a little creativity can make the best of them all. Your bird will be curious and contented with any safe DIY starting from swinging on a coconut shell, shredding paper, digging through a muffin tin puzzles etc. Remember to always rotate them and keep the fun for your feathered friend.
