Top 10 Bird Toys for Parrot Health and Happiness
Parrots are incredibly intelligent and social creatures, and providing them with stimulating toys is crucial for their well-being. Toys not only entertain but also help keep parrots mentally and physically active.
What Is a Bird Toy?
A bird toy is any item designed to keep a bird entertained, mentally stimulated, and physically active. These toys are made using bird-safe materials such as wood, paper, natural fibers, and stainless steel. They come in a wide variety of shapes and functions, from chewable blocks to foraging puzzles, swings, bells, and more.
Why Every Bird Needs a Toy
A bored bird is an unhappy bird. Without stimulation, parrots and other birds may develop behavior problems such as feather plucking, excessive screaming, or aggression. A good bird toy can:
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Encourage natural behaviors like chewing, shredding, and foraging.
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Provide mental stimulation to prevent boredom and depression.
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Support foot and beak health by offering different textures.
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Promote physical activity through climbing and swinging.
Types of Bird Toys
1. Foraging Bird Toys
Foraging toys are essential for parrots as they cater to their natural instinct to search for food. These toys often have hidden compartments or require the bird to solve puzzles to access treats. Foraging toys help reduce boredom and prevent destructive behaviors by engaging their problem-solving skills.
★★★★★"Such a neat idea, I love it. The Pizza box alone is a great toy but inside there are so many foot toes and intriguing things to chew on. I have not yet provided this toy to either of my birds, I am trying to figure out which one will enjoy it more."
2. Chew Bird Toys
Chew toys are crucial for maintaining your parrot’s beak health. They come in various materials like wood, and natural fibers. Chewing helps keep the beak trimmed and prevents overgrowth. Choose toys that are durable and safe for your bird to chew.
★★★★★
"Prissy LOVES the big balsa toys!! She goes through about 4 a week!!!"
3. Shreddable Bird Toys
Shreddable toys, made from materials like paper, cardboard, or palm leaves, provide excellent enrichment for parrots. These toys allow parrots to tear apart and shred, which mimics their natural behaviors and helps alleviate stress and boredom.
★★★★★
"Oliver loves is Balsa Ball toy. Thank you for providing a safe enrichment toy. Will definitely buy again."
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4. Swing Bird Toys
Swing toys are not only fun but also offer physical exercise for your parrot. Swings can help improve balance and coordination while giving your parrot a chance to play and explore. They come in various sizes and styles to suit different parrot species.
5. Birdie Foot Toys
Bird foot toys are essential for parrots, providing mental and physical enrichment by engaging their natural foot skills. These toys come in various forms, including ropes, rings, and puzzle toys, designed to be manipulated by the parrot’s feet.
★★★★★
My Congo African Grey destroys toys faster than a wood chipper! These cute foot toys last longer because she has to dig them out of her foraging box. Monika deserves high fives for keeping Suzy entertained. I am only able to take a picture of what’s left.
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6. Climbing Toys
Climbing toys like ropes, ladders, and climbing nets encourage physical activity and help strengthen your parrot’s muscles. They also offer a vertical dimension to their play area, which is important for their overall health and happiness.
7. Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys challenge your parrot’s intellect and problem-solving skills. These toys often require manipulation or solving to release a treat or toy. They are excellent for keeping your parrot mentally engaged and can reduce the likelihood of boredom-related issues.
8. Bells and Rattles
Toys with bells and rattles provide auditory stimulation for your parrot. The sounds can attract their attention and encourage play. Ensure the bells are securely attached and free from any small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
★★★★★
"My girl loves her toy, she waves it around before flinging it to anybody near her and laughs to herself."
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9. Hanging Bird Toys
Hanging toys add variety to your parrot’s playtime and can be placed in different locations within their cage or play area. They often feature a mix of textures and materials, keeping your parrot entertained and engaged.
10. Interactive Bird Toys
Interactive toys that involve movement or require your parrot to interact with them can provide both mental and physical stimulation. Toys that respond to your parrot’s actions or involve training exercises can be particularly beneficial.
"My babies loved it! It has such a good variety of colors, shapes, and textures that my feather babies love!"
Choosing the Best Bird Toy
Not all toys are created equal. When selecting a bird toy, keep the following in mind:
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Safety first: Avoid toys with small parts, toxic metals, or loose threads that could trap toes or beaks.
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Bird size: A toy that’s too small for a large parrot may pose a choking hazard, while toys that are too large might intimidate smaller birds.
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Personality match: Observe what your bird enjoys—do they love chewing, solving puzzles, or shredding things apart?
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Rotation is key: Keep things interesting by rotating your bird’s toys regularly to prevent boredom.
Bird Toys and Enrichment
A quality bird toy isn’t just for play—it’s a tool for enrichment. Enrichment improves a bird’s quality of life and reduces stress, especially in pet birds who live indoors without access to nature. A well-designed toy can mimic wild behaviors, challenge a bird’s mind, and provide a daily source of entertainment.
Support Small Businesses That Know Birds
When possible, choose handmade toys created by small businesses that truly understand bird behavior. Companies run by bird lovers and rescuers often design toys with both fun and safety in mind. Many even test their toys on real birds to ensure engagement and durability.
Final Thoughts
A well-chosen bird toy can transform your bird’s environment, making their day more exciting, interactive, and healthy. Whether your bird loves to chew, shred, swing, or solve puzzles, there’s a toy out there they’ll love. Regularly providing new toys—and watching your bird explore them—is one of the greatest joys of having a feathered companion.
More Articles About Bird Toys
Shop now: 21 Best Bird Toys for Parrots.
Monika Sangar, MSc – Molecular Biology | Avian Nutrition Specialist | Founder: PDSnonprofit | Owner: Pds Parrot Shop
Monika Sangar is a parrot rescuer, bird food chef, and toy designer with over a decade of experience in avian care and nutrition. She is the founder of Prego Dalliance Sanctuary and the author of The Science of Avian Nutrition, a cookbook dedicated to fresh, healthy meals for parrots. Explore more bird care tips and bird toys at PDS Parrot Shop!