Toys can be an important part of your parrot's emotional life. Just think about it, they stand around in their cage all day with nothing to do. A bored parrot can develop some very bad habits that can be destructive to him and his surroundings. Having the right toys might not cure everything but it will go a long way toward keeping your parrot busy and out of trouble.
Parrots love to chew. If you have had your bird for any time at all this is no surprise. So, to give them something to chew on beside their perch, try a variety of wooden toys. They come in all shapes and sizes and are usually strung together with some kind of thin rope or chain that can be hung in the cage. Make sure the wood has been dyed in a natural dye and look for any rough spots that develop where a toenail could get caught and break off.
A popular toy on the market is the acrylic toy. It is virtually impossible for your parrot to destroy it. But the downside is that they don't provide for the natural chewing and destruction that the wooden toys offer. My recommendation is to get a variety of toys and rotate them in the cage. Puzzle toys are also very popular. These have a variety of treats hidden in them. This will make your bird work some to get at the treats thus providing some good exercise while it has some fun.
Make sure that any toy you buy for your parrot is safe for it to use while unsupervised. We all know that while our birds are unattended they can get into all kinds of trouble. Doesn't that sound familiar parents? Toys with unnatural materials can be torn apart and ingested. Toys such as stuffed animals or toys made from PVC plastic should always be avoided. These are also very good at collecting unwanted dirt and dust.
Here are a few tips to help you decide on the best and safest toys for your bird so he doesn't end up hurting himself. Avoid toys that have "jingle bells" on them. They may sound good and keep your bird entertained but they can easily catch a toe or beak (especially smaller birds) in them causing injury. Avoid flimsy plastic toys that will easily break or toys that have very small parts on the inside like a clapper in a small bell.
Make sure you get the proper size toy for your particular parrot. Any parrot can break a toy designed for a smaller bird. Ring toys are especially dangerous if they are mismatched. Also the rings and links that are used to attach toys to the cage are a big problem. Each year many injuries are attributed to the use of these. The only type of link you should be using are the stainless steel quick link that can be found at any good hardware store. Never use snap hooks or key rings.
Parrots love to chew. If you have had your bird for any time at all this is no surprise. So, to give them something to chew on beside their perch, try a variety of wooden toys. They come in all shapes and sizes and are usually strung together with some kind of thin rope or chain that can be hung in the cage. Make sure the wood has been dyed in a natural dye and look for any rough spots that develop where a toenail could get caught and break off.
A popular toy on the market is the acrylic toy. It is virtually impossible for your parrot to destroy it. But the downside is that they don't provide for the natural chewing and destruction that the wooden toys offer. My recommendation is to get a variety of toys and rotate them in the cage. Puzzle toys are also very popular. These have a variety of treats hidden in them. This will make your bird work some to get at the treats thus providing some good exercise while it has some fun.
Make sure that any toy you buy for your parrot is safe for it to use while unsupervised. We all know that while our birds are unattended they can get into all kinds of trouble. Doesn't that sound familiar parents? Toys with unnatural materials can be torn apart and ingested. Toys such as stuffed animals or toys made from PVC plastic should always be avoided. These are also very good at collecting unwanted dirt and dust.
Here are a few tips to help you decide on the best and safest toys for your bird so he doesn't end up hurting himself. Avoid toys that have "jingle bells" on them. They may sound good and keep your bird entertained but they can easily catch a toe or beak (especially smaller birds) in them causing injury. Avoid flimsy plastic toys that will easily break or toys that have very small parts on the inside like a clapper in a small bell.
Make sure you get the proper size toy for your particular parrot. Any parrot can break a toy designed for a smaller bird. Ring toys are especially dangerous if they are mismatched. Also the rings and links that are used to attach toys to the cage are a big problem. Each year many injuries are attributed to the use of these. The only type of link you should be using are the stainless steel quick link that can be found at any good hardware store. Never use snap hooks or key rings.
About the Author:
Matt Carver is an author and parrot enthusiast. Learn more about parrot supplies and many other parrot care tips by downloading a copy of his latest book on Parrot Care.
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