Meta: Bird toys need the right materials and sizes.
Birds are intelligent and get bored fast, which can lead to feather plucking or screaming.
Toy types
- Shredding toys: paper, palm leaf and soft wood.
- Foraging toys: hide treats in boxes or paper.
- Swings and ropes: for perching and climbing.
- Bells and mirrors: simple fun, but not for every bird.
How to use them
- Choose toys suited to your bird’s size. A big parrot needs sturdier toys than a budgie.
- Add one new toy at a time, so your bird doesn’t get scared.
- Hang toys where your bird can reach them from a perch.
- Rotate toys each week.
Safety tips
- Check that metal parts are bird-safe. Avoid toys with zinc or lead.
- Avoid ropes with loose strands, which can tangle toes.
- Remove toys with sharp edges or cracked wood.
- Make sure bells have no small clapper that could be removed.
If your bird shows unusual behavior, such as plucking or sudden changes, speak with an avian vet.