Last Updated on by Catherine Tobsing
I want my bird to have as happy and healthy a life as possible, so I’m always on the lookout for new ways to improve her environment.
One Easy Fix is the Importance of Bird Toys and the Canopy Effect
Not only do they provide much-needed mental and physical stimulation, but they can also prevent self-destructive behaviors like feather plucking.
Finding the Right Bird Toy
There are seemingly endless options when it comes to bird toys, which can make it overwhelming to choose the right one.
Some feel the size of your bird matters ie: Smaller birds may prefer smaller toys and vice versa.
Want to know what species we consider by size?
Windy City Parrot Defines Small And Smallest Species of Pet Birds
Windy City Parrot Defines Small And Medium Size Species Of Pet Birds
Windy City Parrot Defines Medium Large and Large Size Species of Pet Birds
That said, we have toys in cages that are bigger than the birds in the cage.
 The budgies perch ON the Ferris Wheel toy while engaging the bird toy |  Watch the video below to see how this happens |
How do I easily improve my birds environment?
It comes down to trial and error, so let’s talk about interests:
Does your bird like to chew on things? Play with bells? Climb?
Keto our ringneck will only engage a toy if it has bells attached, but he likes balls too.
Chili our Quaker maintains toy boxes in his home and work birdcages
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Barney, our cockatiel likes nothing nor no one.
He will occasionally nibble at the bits of rope and chains on his birdcage.
Almost daily he will allow head and neck scritches but only for a few seconds then his beak guides my hand away.
So when you shop for bird toy materials make sure the toy is made from safe and non-toxic materials.
In order to determine your bird’s favorites which could be wooden blocks, bells, and paper sticks but along the way you will say rhetorically aloud or reach out to us with the following.
“My bird won’t play with bird toys.”
“My bird is scared of any bird toy I put in his bird cage.”.
“The toy is TOO BIG for my bird”. (I always chuckle at that one, you know, the fact that birds live in GIANT trees in the wild:-)
Rotate Toys Regularly
Birds can become bored with the same toys day after day, so it’s important to rotate them regularly. This not only keeps things interesting for your feathered friend but also prevents wear and tear on the same toys.
Keeping them poop free is important so birds don’t get bacterial infections in their mouth from grooming their zygodactyl feet.
On the solid surface toys I spray on Poop Off let it sit for 2 minutes (the key) then rinse off.
Soft rope perches can be placed on the top shelf of the dishwasher and then allowed to air dry – we don’t want to melt the endcaps glue.
Note the shirt hanging over the mirror in the background to keep birds from flying into said mirror.
The budgies like to sit on the hanger/shoulders and nibble on the fabric – win/win!
While store-bought bird toys are great options, making your own can add an extra level of personalization for your pet.
There are many tutorials available online for DIY bird toys using materials such as cardboard tubes or popsicle sticks. Just make sure any materials you use are safe for your bird to play with.
In conclusion, providing a variety of toys for your feathered friend can go a long way in keeping them happy and healthy.
Don’t be afraid to try out different types and rotate them regularly.
And if you’re feeling extra crafty, consider making some DIY toys as well!
Written By Mitch Rezman
Approved by Catherine Tobsing
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