Bird Toys for Small Birds: Master Guide

When you bring a small parrot into your life, be it a parakeet, cockatiel, or conure, you’re inviting a highly intelligent and social creature into your home. These birds aren’t just pretty companions; they’re problem-solvers, athletes, and foragers at heart. The secret to keeping them happy and healthy? The right bird toys. 

In this master guide, we’ll explore why toys are essential, the science behind enrichment, safety tips, and the best types of toys for small birds. You’ll also find species-specific advice with links to in-depth guides for each type of small parrot.

Table of Contents

What Exactly Are Bird Toys?
The Science Behind Toy Enrichment and Parrot Mental Health
Safety First: Choosing the Right Small Bird Toys
Species-Specific Toy Recommendations
Bird Toys: 5 Play Styles That Keep Small Birds Thriving
Creating a Rotating Toy System
How to Encourage Birds to Play With Toys
DIY Small Bird Toy Ideas
Signs Your Small Bird Needs More Enrichment
Common Mistakes Small Bird Owners Make With Toys
Toys Are Mental Health Tools
FAQ

What Exactly Are Bird Toys?

Bird toys are a gateway to expressing natural instincts that don’t go away just because they live in our homes.

A toy might be:

• A shredder bird toy that satisfies the urge to tear apart leaves

• A swinging rope spiral that mimics the challenge of moving along tree branches

• A small puzzle box that rewards curiosity with a hidden treat

In short, a bird toy is any object that allows a parrot to be a parrot: to chew, climb, forage, or explore.

Without toys, a cage is just a holding space. With the right toys, it becomes a living environment that keeps a bird’s mind busy and body active, preventing boredom-driven behaviors like feather plucking or constant screaming.

Think of toys as your bird’s mental gym and playground combined, not optional extras, but essential tools for a healthy, happy companion.

The Science Behind Toy Enrichment and Parrot Mental Health

In the wild, small parrots spend their entire day foraging, exploring, shredding, and socializing. A budgie might travel miles with its flock, while a green cheek conure could spend hours chewing bark or cracking tiny seeds.

When kept indoors, their world is limited to the cage and play areas we provide. Without mental and physical stimulation, small birds can develop:

• Stress and anxiety → leading to pacing, feather plucking, or biting

• Boredom behaviors → like excessive screaming

• Reduced problem-solving skills → as their natural intelligence goes underused

Scientific studies in avian enrichment show that toys mimic natural activities like foraging and chewing, keeping the bird’s brain active and emotions balanced. In other words, toys are not a luxury, they are a lifeline to mental health.

Safety First: Choosing the Right Small Bird Toys

Small birds are delicate and curious, meaning the wrong toy can be dangerous. Keep these safety points in mind:

1. Choose proper sizing – Observe your bird’s play style and comfort level, and always select toys that are safe and appropriately sized for their beak and body.

2. Skip loose threads and frays – Cotton ropes should be tightly wound; fraying can cause toe or neck entanglement.

3. Rotate regularly – Swapping toys keeps interest high and prevents bacterial buildup. 

4. Check for sharp edges – Plastic or acrylic pieces should be smooth to prevent injuries.

Pro tip: Supervise the first few play sessions with a new toy to make sure it’s safe for your bird.

Species-Specific Toy Recommendations

Different small birds have unique personalities and play styles. Tailoring toys to your species maximizes enrichment.

Parakeets (Budgies)

• Love: Lightweight swings, bells, shreddable paper

• Avoid: Large, heavy wooden blocks

• Supporting guide: Best Bird Toys for Parakeets

Cockatiels

• Love: Soft woods, ladders, foraging boxes

• Need: Toys that encourage movement to prevent perch-potato habits

• Supporting guide: Cockatiel Bird Toys Guide

Small Conures (Green Cheek, Maroon-Bellied)

• Love: Chewing and foraging challenges

• Benefit from: Puzzle feeders and destructible toys to release energy

• Supporting guide: Conure Bird Toys

Lovebirds

• Personality: Playful, bold, and destructive chewers

• Love: shredders, swings, and foraging pouches

• Tip: Provide multiple shredding options to prevent them from chewing cages or furniture

• Supporting guide: Lovebird Bird Toys

Parrotlets

• Personality: Tiny but fearless and intelligent

• Love: shredders, puzzle toys, and soft wood chews

• Need: Size-appropriate toys that don’t overwhelm their small frames

• Supporting guide: Parrotlet Bird Toys

Bird Toys: 5 Play Styles That Keep Small Birds Thriving

Instead of simply buying “a toy,” think of every toy as a tool for a specific type of play. Birds, like human children, thrive when their environment encourages different ways to learn, move, and think. We’ve curated a collection of small bird toys that are perfect for parakeets, cockatiels, and other little parrots, browse the full selection at PDS Parrot Shop.

Here are five core play styles and how to support them:

1. The Explorer’s Playground (Curiosity & Discovery)

Small birds are natural investigators. They love anything that lets them peek, push, or uncover something hidden.

• Examples: Peek-a-boo toys, mini drawers, boxes filled with paper confetti

• Goal: Trigger their foraging and investigative instincts

2. The Beak Builder (Chewing & Destruction)

Chewing is not misbehavior, it’s essential for beak health and stress relief. Birds need toys they are allowed to destroy.

• Examples: Palm leaf shredders, balsa blocks, natural vine balls

• Goal: Offer a safe outlet for chewing to prevent furniture or cage destruction

3. The Acrobat (Balance & Movement)

In the wild, parrots climb, swing, and twist to navigate tree branches. Movement-based toys strengthen muscles and improve coordination.

• Examples: Boings, rope bridges, hanging ladders, spinning swings

• Goal: Encourage exercise and confidence

4. The Puzzle Master (Problem Solving & Intelligence)

Parrots are highly intelligent problem-solvers. Toys that challenge them mentally can prevent screaming and feather-plucking.

• Examples: Treat-dispensing balls, ring stackers, simple color-matching games

• Goal: Stimulate brain activity and boost confidence

5. The Comfort Zone (Security & Relaxation)

Not every toy is about excitement. Some toys provide emotional comfort for shy or nervous birds.

• Examples: Soft hanging snuggles, small swings they can nap on, preening toys

• Goal: Help reduce stress and provide safe downtime
  
  

Creating a Rotating Toy System

One of the best enrichment strategies is a toy rotation system:

1. Offer 4–6 toys at a time in the cage

2. Rotate weekly to keep interest high

3. Mix textures and purposes (foraging, shredding, swinging)

4. Store clean toys separately for the next cycle

This simple system prevents boredom burnout and maximizes mental stimulation without constantly buying new toys.

How to Encourage Birds to Play With Toys

Not every bird instantly understands toys, especially rescues or older birds. Helping them learn to play takes patience and creativity:

1. Lead by example – Touch or gently move the toy while your bird watches to show it’s safe.

2. Pair toys with treats – Hide millet or favorite snacks inside foraging toys to spark interest.

3. Start small and simple – Introduce light, soft, or colorful toys that don’t feel threatening.

4. Place toys in familiar areas – Adding a new toy to a favorite perch increases comfort.

5. Use social reinforcement – Celebrate with verbal praise when your bird interacts with the toy.

Within a few days or weeks, many hesitant birds turn into active, curious players. If your parrot is hesitant around toys, don’t miss our article on encouraging play in small birds, it’s full of expert tips.

DIY Small Bird Toy Ideas

You don’t have to buy every toy, homemade toys can be safe, inexpensive, and exciting. Here are creative options:

• Paper Forage Cups – Fill small paper cups with crumpled paper and hidden treats.

• Vine Ball Snack – Push millet or seeds into a natural vine ball for a simple foraging toy.

• Popsicle Stick Stack – Drill a hole through colored sticks and string them with bird-safe twine.

Always use bird-safe materials and avoid toxic glues, inks, or sharp edges. Looking for budget-friendly enrichment? Read our guide to the best DIY toys for small parrots made with bird-safe materials.

Signs Your Small Bird Needs More Enrichment

Even the most playful bird can become bored or stressed without enough mental and physical stimulation. Watching your bird’s behavior closely can help you spot when it’s time to introduce new toys or change up their routine. Here are common signs that your small bird needs more enrichment:

• Excessive Screaming or Vocalizing: If your bird suddenly becomes louder or screams more often, it could be a call for attention or a sign of boredom.

• Feather Plucking or Over-Preening: These are classic stress behaviors caused by frustration or understimulation.

• Pacing or Repetitive Movements: Constantly moving back and forth or head bobbing without a clear reason can indicate anxiety.

• Lethargy or Disinterest: A normally curious bird that stops exploring or interacting may be bored or depressed.

• Aggression: Sudden biting or territorial behavior can stem from pent-up energy and frustration.

💡 What to do: If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to introduce new toys, especially foraging or interactive types, and increase out-of-cage time. Remember to rotate toys regularly and observe which ones your bird prefers to keep them engaged and happy.

Common Mistakes Small Bird Owners Make With Toys

Toys are essential for a pet bird well-being, but even good intentions can lead to problems if not managed carefully. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your bird stays safe and happy:

• Overcrowding the Cage: Too many toys can overwhelm your bird, reduce flying space, and cause stress. Keep a balanced number (about 4–6) and rotate often.

• Not Rotating Toys: Birds are smart and can get bored quickly. Keeping the same toys for weeks without change decreases their interest. Rotate weekly to keep playtime fresh.

• Choosing Inappropriate Toys: Toys that are too big, too heavy, or made from unsafe materials (painted wood, toxic plastics) can cause injury or health issues. Always pick bird-safe options sized for cockatiels.

• Ignoring Signs of Wear: Worn-out or damaged toys can become hazardous. Loose threads, broken parts, or splintered wood can injure your bird. Inspect toys regularly and remove unsafe ones.

• Ignoring Your Bird’s Preferences: Not all birds like the same toys. Forcing uninterested birds to play with certain toys can cause frustration. Observe and provide toys your bird naturally enjoys.

💡 Tip: Quality over quantity wins every time. Focus on a few well-chosen, safe toys that stimulate your bird’s natural behaviors.

Toys Are Mental Health Tools

Life inside a cage will never compare to the vast skies of the wild but the right toys can bridge that gap. For a small bird, toys are not extras or decorations, they are pathways to a full life.

Each shred of paper, every swing of a boing, every tiny puzzle solved is more than play, it’s confidence gained, instincts fulfilled, and stress released. Small birds who have a world of play are happier, healthier, and more connected to the humans who care for them.

So, don’t just think of buying toys. Think of creating an experience. Rotate, experiment, make some yourself, and watch how a simple piece of balsa wood or a little foraging cup can transform your bird’s world.

In the end, the joy of a small bird exploring its mini-universe is the reward. A happy bird is a curious bird and a curious bird is a thriving companion for life.

FAQ

Whats your favorite small bird toy?

Favorite small bird toy is a seagrass mat stuffed with foraging bits, it’s great for shredding, climbing, and hiding treats. Simple, fun, and endlessly enriching!

What toys should i get Parakeets?

For parakeets, choose toys that are:

• Lightweight and small so they can easily hold and play with them.

• Foraging toys like small treat puzzles or hanging seed pods to stimulate their natural hunting instincts.

• Shreddable toys made from bird-safe wood to satisfy their need to nibble.

• Swings and ladders for climbing and exercise.
  

Best small bird toy?

The best small bird toy is one that encourages foraging and shredding, like a seagrass foraging mat or foraging box  with safe natural materials. It keeps birds busy, mentally stimulated, and happy!

Why can't birds have bells?

Yes! Birds can safely have stainless steel bells if they are fully closed and welded, with no sharp edges or gaps. 

What toys do birds like the most?

Birds most enjoy toys that engage their natural behaviors, such as:

• Foraging toys that hide treats to stimulate their curiosity

• Chewable toys made from safe wood, paper, or natural fibers for shredding

• Climbing toys like ladders, ropes, and swings for exercise

• Interactive toys with bells or mirrors (used wisely) for mental stimulation

Toys that offer variety and challenge keep birds happy and healthy!

 

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!