Bird Toy Parts: Build Your Own Toys

Creating toys for your parrot at home can be fun, budget-friendly, and incredibly enriching, but choosing the right bird toy making supplies is essential. Not all materials are created equal. Parrots love to chew, shred, and explore with their beaks, so everything you offer must be non-toxic, bird-safe, and free of hazards.

If you're building a foraging toy, a foot toy, or a hanging shredder, having a reliable stash of safe bird toy making supplies makes all the difference. Here's a breakdown of what materials to stock up on and what to avoid. Want to learn how to make safe and fun toys at home? Check out our full article on DIY Bird Toys.

For a comprehensive list of bird toy part suppliers, check out our Bird Toy Parts Resource Page where you can download a full supplier guide

Why Quality Bird Toy Parts Matter

Birds in captivity depend on their environment for mental stimulation and physical activity. Without adequate enrichment, parrots and other pet birds can develop boredom-related behaviors such as feather plucking, screaming, or aggression. High-quality bird toys help prevent these issues by encouraging natural behaviors like chewing, shredding, climbing, and problem-solving.

Using safe, durable, and bird-friendly parts is critical. Some materials commonly found in household or craft stores may contain toxic chemicals, sharp edges, or pose choking hazards. Choosing the right bird toy parts reduces risk and ensures the toy lasts longer, saving you money and keeping your bird safe.

Types of Bird Toy Parts and Their Uses

Natural, Non-Toxic Woods

Wood is one of the most important bird toy making supplies, parrots love chewing on it to satisfy their instincts and keep their beaks healthy. But only certain types of wood are safe.

Bird-Safe Woods to Use:

• Balsa – Soft and super easy to shred. Perfect for small parrots like budgies and parrotlets.

• Pine – Lightweight and affordable. A go-to choice for medium birds like conures and quakers.

• Birch, Maple, Ash – Durable enough for moderate chewers.

• Basswood, Yucca – Great textures that add variety to your toy collection.

✅ Pro tip: Only use kiln-dried, untreated wood with no paint, glue, or varnish.

Woods to Avoid:

• Cedar

• Redwood

• Walnut

• Treated, painted, or stained woods

These contain natural oils or chemical residues that can irritate your bird’s respiratory system or cause toxicity.

Paper and Cardboard

Paper is a budget-friendly, shreddable material that’s perfect for enrichment. Every DIY stash of bird toy making supplies should include safe paper products for curious beaks.

Safe Paper & Cardboard Options:

• Crinkle paper 

• Cupcake liners and coffee filters

• Brown shipping paper and plain paper bags

• Toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls

• Plain cereal boxes (non-glossy)

• Paper egg cartons

Avoid:

• Glossy or coated paper

• Foil-lined food boxes

• Magazine pages with bright, toxic inks

If it smells like chemicals or looks shiny, skip it.

Natural Fibers & Ropes

Ropes are essential bird toy making supplies when building hanging toys or tying parts together. The trick is knowing which ones are safe.

Safe Fibers to Use:

• Seagrass mats and strips

• Paper Rope
  

• Tightly woven, untreated cotton rope (note below)

• Natural sisal or hemp

• Palm leaf and raffia
  

• Polyrope

⚠️ Trim off any fraying strands to avoid tangles or toe injuries. Some birds are prone to chewing and ingesting cotton rope. Always remember just because it's safe, doesn't mean it's safe for your bird. Always watch your bird to see how they play. 

Fibers to Avoid:

• Nylon rope

• Synthetic twine

• Frayed, stringy materials

Synthetic fibers can entangle birds or cause blockages if ingested.

Natural Items for Bird Toy Making Supplies

Nature provides some of the best bird toy making supplies, especially for parrots who love textures, shredding, and foraging. These materials are not only safe but also engaging and biodegradable,  making them great for environmentally-conscious DIYers.

Popular Natural Materials to Try:

• Sola Balls – Lightweight, soft, and super easy for parrots to shred.

• Mahogany Pods – Textured and durable, these pods offer an irresistible surface for birds to chew and explore.

• Vine Items – Vine balls, wreaths, and stars are fun to stuff with foraging treats or hang as-is. 

• Palm Pieces – Palm leaf strips, skewers, or palm flowers are favorites.

✅ Tip: Always source your natural items from bird-safe suppliers. Avoid decorative versions that may be coated in varnish or pesticides.

These natural additions not only diversify your bird toy making supplies, but also encourage foraging, beak conditioning, and hours of enrichment.

ovide variety and satisfy natural foraging instincts.

Other Safe DIY Bird Toy Making Supplies

There’s a wide range of safe accessories and textures you can incorporate into your toys, and many are easy to find online or in craft stores.

Great Materials to Try:

• Vegetable-tanned leather strips (not dyed)

• Bird-safe acrylic pieces (no sharp edges)

• Natural wooden beads, spools, or shapes

• Plain popsicle sticks

• Stainless steel quick links, chains, or rings (avoid pear-link)

These components make DIY toys more durable and enriching while keeping safety in mind.

How to Choose the Right Bird Toy Parts

Selecting parts depends on your bird’s species, size, and chewing habits:

• Small birds (e.g., parakeets, cockatiels): Use lighter woods like balsa, small beads, thin ropes, and lightweight hardware.

• Medium to large parrots (e.g., conures, African greys, Amazons): Heavier hardwoods, thicker ropes, and sturdy stainless steel hardware are recommended.

• Powerful chewers (e.g., macaws, cockatoos): Use hardwoods like manzanita, robust stainless steel parts, and avoid fragile components.

Always inspect parts for sharp edges or splinters, and sand them smooth before assembly.

Find the Best Bird Toy Parts Suppliers

We’ve done the research for you! Our Bird Toy Parts Resource Guide lists trusted suppliers for wood, stainless steel hardware, natural fibers, and more.

Download the PDF here to access our full list of recommended bird toy parts suppliers:
Download the Bird Toy Parts Resource PDF. Finding reliable sources for bird toy parts ensures your creations are safe and durable. Here are some trusted suppliers that bird toy makers use:

• Casey’s Wood offers a variety of wood beads, bird-safe wood pieces perfect for chew and shredding toys.

• Make Your Own Bird Toys provides beads, leather strips, and stainless steel hardware tailored for bird toys.

• Batz4Birds specializes in durable stainless steel parts like links, chains, and eye bolts suitable for assembling sturdy toys.

• Knot & Rope Supply carries superior cotton and poly ropes, ideal for creating ladders, swings, and climbing toys.

• Coconut King supplies natural shreddables like coconut shells and wicker materials to add texture and enrichment.
  

 

Tips for DIY Bird Toy Assembly

• Safety first: Always use bird-safe glues or hardware, and avoid toxic paints or finishes.

• Test durability: Ensure parts can withstand your bird’s chewing style without breaking easily.

• Size matters: Tailor toy size and parts to your bird’s beak and feet size.

• Mix textures: Combine wood, rope, leather, and metal for engaging sensory play.

• Rotate toys: Change out toys regularly to maintain interest and enrichment.

• Bird Toy Tools: Once you’ve gathered your supplies, make sure you have the right tools for building bird toys to get started.

Benefits of Using Quality Bird Toy Parts

• Increased enrichment: Variety of textures and materials stimulates natural behaviors.

• Enhanced safety: Reduces risk of toxic exposure or injury.

• Longer-lasting toys: Durable parts withstand heavy chewing and play.

• Creative freedom: Access to diverse parts allows custom, unique toy designs.

• Cost-effective: Investing in quality parts saves money on frequent replacements.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right bird toy making supplies is the foundation of safe, engaging DIY enrichment. Always opt for natural, non-toxic materials and avoid anything sharp, synthetic, or chemically treated. If you wouldn’t chew on it yourself, your parrot shouldn’t either. 

Making toys at home isn’t just about saving money, it’s about creating meaningful interaction, enrichment, and joy for your bird. With the right supplies, a little creativity goes a long way. If you’re ready to start crafting, check out our guide to DIY Bird Toys, where we show you how to turn simple bird toy parts into safe, fun, and enriching toys for your feathered friends.”

Ready to Spoil Your Bird with Fun, Safe Toys?

If you’re looking for high-quality, handmade bird toys made from safe and durable parts, check out our collection at PDS Parrot Shop. Every toy is crafted with love and designed to provide hours of enrichment for your parrot.

Visit pdsparrotshop.com today to explore our selection and find the perfect toy that your bird will love!

 

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!