Bird Toys
Bird toys are essential for keeping pet birds mentally stimulated, physically active, and emotionally content. Whether you have a parakeet, cockatiel, conure, or macaw, providing enriching toys helps satisfy natural instincts. A well-stocked cage with a variety of toys encourages exercise, reduces boredom, and can even prevent stress-related behaviors like feather plucking. Look for exciting toys made for chewing, foraging, climbing, and swinging to keep your bird enriched and healthy.
Here are some things to consider when shopping for bird toys:
- Species-appropriate design: Choose toys made for your bird’s beak strength, activity level, and safety needs.
- Chew-friendly materials: Look for toys made from bird-safe materials like wood, paper, raffia, leather, or coconut for natural chewing satisfaction.
- Foraging elements: Toys that hide treats or require problem-solving mimic natural food-hunting behavior.
- Interactive play: Swings, mirrors, and climbing toys encourage activity and environmental engagement.
- Variety: Get lots of different types of toys and switch them out regularly to keep your bird enriched and healthy.
Bird toys are more than just fun, they're a vital part of your bird’s well-being. Chewy offers a wide range of toys for birds of all sizes and species, from colorful shreddables and hanging ladders to puzzle toys and bells. You can even set your feathered friend’s favorites to Autoship regularly, so you’ll always have just what your birdie needs to feel fulfilled.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bird Toys
Why are toys important for pet birds?
Toys are important for pet birds because they provide essential mental and physical stimulation. Without enrichment, birds can develop stress-related behaviors such as screaming, biting, or feather plucking. The best bird toys encourage behaviors birds naturally perform in the wild, including healthy foraging, chewing, exploration, and climbing. Many bird toys promote healthy beak and claw grooming, too.
What types of toys are best for birds?
The best types of toys for birds will vary depending on your bird’s size, species, and personal habits. Small birds often enjoy shreddable paper or bells, while larger birds usually need more durable toys made from hardwood, leather, or rope. Variety is key to keeping birds engaged. Try several types of toys to see which ones your bird likes best!
How many toys should my bird have?
Your bird should have multiple toys to ensure healthy engagement and variety. A good rule is to offer 3 to 5 toys at a time, each with a different function. Try giving your bird toys for chewing, foraging, swinging, and climbing to ensure all their needs for enrichment are met. Rotate toys weekly to keep your bird curious and stimulated, too.
Are bird toys safe?
Most bird toys are safe, but be sure to monitor your birds to ensure this. Toys made specifically for birds using untreated wood, natural fibers, and bird-safe hardware are generally safe, but even safe toys can become damaged, so inspect your bird’s toys regularly. Avoid or discard toys with loose threads, toxic dyes, or small parts that could be swallowed, and always supervise your bird when introducing new toys.
Can bird toys help with behavior issues?
Bird toys can help with behavior issues. Consistent enrichment supports improve overall behavior, and healthy engagement can reduce negative behaviors like boredom chewing or excessive squawking. Foraging toys and interactive items can be especially helpful for redirecting difficult behavior into positive play.