Bird Toys for Conures: Safe, and Fun

Living with a conure is like sharing your home with a little feathered ball of energy and curiosity. These birds are smart, playful, and full of personality, and just like us, they need the right kind of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

The right bird toys can quickly provide mental stimulation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best types of toys for conures, how to pick safe and fun options, and why switching things up regularly keeps your bird from getting bored or stressed. Whether you’re just starting out or have had conures for years, you’ll find helpful tips to create a fun, enriching space your bird will love.

Small birds love toys that challenge their minds and beaks. Shop our best small bird toys to keep your bird engaged.

 

Why Bird Toys Are Important for Conures

 In the wild, every moment is filled with purpose: peeling bark from branches, cracking seeds, exploring treetop hideouts, and calling to their flock. In a living room or bird room, that energy doesn’t disappear it needs direction. Without engaging activities, a conure’s quick mind can turn to mischief. You might notice:

• Feathers pulled or over-preened

• Unrelenting “I’m bored” screams

• Nipping when handled

• A quiet, withdrawn bird who’s lost their spark

This is where the right conure bird toys change everything. Bird toys encourage climbing, shredding, puzzle-solving, and foraging. A simple hanging toy can turn into an afternoon adventure. A well-designed chew toy satisfies their natural need to keep that busy beak in action.

Choosing safe, thoughtfully made bird toys for conures is an investment in your parrot’s mental health, physical fitness, and joy. Because when your conure has something new to conquer, you’ll see exactly why they’re one of the most entertaining parrots to share your life with.

What to Look for in Bird Toys for Conures

When choosing toys for conures, prioritize the following:

1. Size 

Conures are medium-sized parrots, and their toys should match their beak strength and body size. Toys made for cockatiels may be too small, while those for macaws could be too heavy or intimidating. Look for toys labeled specifically for conures, small parrots, or medium parrots.

2. Variety of Materials

Conures love to chew, so pick safe materials like:

• Untreated wood

• Bird-safe leather

• Vine and palm

• Paper and cardboard

• Stainless steel

• Natural fiber rope (hemp, cotton)

3. Variety of Bird Toys

Different toy styles meet different needs. The best bird toys for conures combine a mix of:

• Chewing and shredding

• Foraging and problem-solving

• Climbing and swinging

• Noise-making and interaction

Many toys that keep conures entertained can also delight smaller species—explore our parakeet toys guide for ideas tailored to tiny, active beaks.

The Best Bird Toys for Conures by Function

Let’s dive into five essential toy categories for conures, each designed to support a different aspect of their health and happiness.

🪵 Beak Builders: Toys for Chewing and Shredding

Conures have powerful beaks and a deep instinct to chew. Without safe outlets, they may turn to furniture, perches, or even their own feathers.

Ideal chew toys include:

• Chunky wood blocks strung with paper or rope

• Palm leaf piñatas that unravel with satisfaction

• Lightweight sola or balsa wood constructions

• Cardboard cubes designed for destruction

Switch out these toys weekly to prevent boredom and keep their beak in top shape. If you share your home with more than one species, you’ll love our cockatiel bird toys guide, packed with enrichment ideas perfectly sized for smaller beaks.

🧠 Brain Boosters: Foraging Toys for Daily Discovery

Conures love puzzles and in the wild, they'd forage for hours a day, so bring that challenge indoors with clever, treat-hiding toys.

Great foraging toy ideas:

• Refillable baskets or boxes stuffed with crinkle paper and dry snacks

• Stainless steel or acrylic foraging wheels that require manipulation

• DIY muffin cup stacks filled with herbs, seeds, or pellets

• Foraging puzzle feeders that reward effort with treats

🧗 Jungle Gym Must-Haves: Toys for Climbing and Swinging

Conures are acrobats at heart. Whether they’re dangling upside down or hopping from rope to rope, movement is a must for physical fitness and coordination.

Try these climber favorites:

• Cotton rope boings for spiraling swings

• Wood swings that sway with each movement

• Seagrass mats for vertical climbing walls

• Coconut shells and hanging tunnels for bold explorers

Create vertical layers in the cage for a 3D play experience they’ll love it. 

🦶 Footloose Fun: Small Toys for Curious Claws

Foot toys are often overlooked, but they’re a favorite for conures who love to grasp, toss, and explore with their feet.

Fun foot toy examples:

• Mini wiffle balls they can roll and fling

• Chunks of cork or softwood for holding and nibbling

• Safe acrylic toys for textures and colors

• Sola balls, loofah bits, or wooden beads

For even more beak-and-talon fun, add foot toys to your conure’s play routine, our guide to parrot foot toys explains why they’re a must-have for keeping your bird active and engaged.

🔔 Sound Play: Toys That Chirp, Chime, and Click

Conures often enjoy toys that make noise, especially when the toy responds to their actions. These toys engage the senses and promote interaction.

Auditory toy suggestions:

• Stainless steel bells with sealed clappers 

• Hanging toys with metal cups or spoons for a pleasant chime

• Clickers or responsive buttons for training and feedback

Just be cautious, too many noisy toys can overstimulate. Offer sound play in moderation and switch things up regularly.

How Many Toys Should a Conure Have?

A good rule of thumb is to have at least:

• 3–5 toys in the cage at all times

• 2–3 foot toys available on the bottom or in a toy basket

• Additional toys in rotation to keep things fresh

Toy rotation is critical. Switch out or rearrange toys weekly to prevent boredom.

Safety Tips for Bird Toys

Safety is non-negotiable when it comes to bird toys for conures. Follow these key tips:

• No loose threads: Frayed rope can entangle toes or necks. Trim regularly.

• Check for sharp edges or exposed wires

• Watch toy size

• Supervise with new toys: Some birds get scared or aggressive when introduced to unfamiliar items.

Regularly inspect all toys for signs of wear and tear.

Best Places to Buy Bird Toys for Conures

When buying toys, look for reputable bird shops or handmade bird toy creators who specialize in safe, enriching materials. Here are a few recommended places:

• PDS Parrot Shop – Handmade toys crafted with rescue parrots in mind

• Super Bird Creations – Known for colorful, safe conure toys

• Caitec and Planet Pleasures – For natural materials and foraging designs

• Etsy sellers – Many offer unique, hand-crafted enrichment options (be sure they’re bird-safe!)

Avoid dollar store or pet superstore toys unless clearly marked bird-safe.

DIY Bird Toys for Conures: Budget-Friendly Fun

You don’t always need to buy toys keep your conure entertained. Here are some DIY ideas using household items:

• Muffin cup stacks: Layer and skewer on bird-safe base

• Cardboard tunnels: Stuffed with crinkle paper

• Popsicle sticks and beads: Drilled and strung

• Paper towel rolls: Filled with treats and closed at both ends

• Egg cartons: Cut up and stuffed with bird-safe surprises

Always use plain, undyed materials and monitor closely.

Pro Tip: While store-bought toys are great, you can also create exciting, budget-friendly options at home check out our DIY bird toys guide for conures to learn how to make safe, enriching playthings your parrot will love.

 

Enriching Your Conure’s Life with Toys

Choosing the right bird toys for conures is a crucial part of responsible parrot care. These clever, energetic birds need variety, stimulation, and opportunities to express their natural behaviors. Want to explore even more options? Our Bird Toys for Small Birds Master Guide covers a wide variety of enrichment ideas perfect for conures and other petite parrot species.

Remember: A busy conure is a happy conure.

So don’t underestimate the power of a good toy—your conure is counting on you for fun, enrichment, and love every day.

Ready to give your conure the enrichment they deserve? Browse our handmade, bird-safe toy collection at PDS Parrot Shop, where every toy supports rescue parrots just like yours!

Author: Monika Sangar
Co-founder of Prego Dalliance Sanctuary, Artisan of 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!