Essential Tools for DIY Bird Toys at Home

If you're diving into the world of making your own bird toys, whether for your own flock or to support a rescue, having the right tools can a huge difference. A well-stocked bird toy-making toolbox saves time, ensures safety, and helps you get creative with materials like wood, natural bird parts, and even recycled household items. Before starting any project, make sure you’ve read our Complete DIY Bird Toy Guide to learn which tools and materials are safe for parrots.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to build bird toys at home, from basic hand tools to pro-level equipment. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced DIYer, this list will help you create safe, enriching, and stimulating toys for your pet bird.

Why Having the Right Tools Matters

A poorly made bird toy isn’t just frustrating — it can be downright dangerous. Sharp edges, loose parts, untreated materials, or weak construction can lead to injuries, ingestion risks, or stress for your bird. And if it falls apart too quickly, not only does it waste your time and materials, but it also means your bird misses out on much-needed enrichment.

When you have the right tools in your toy-making toolbox, you’re setting yourself up for success. You’ll be able to:

• Drill smooth, accurate holes in wood, beads, and even nuts without splintering

• Cut rope and leather cleanly without fraying or uneven lengths

• Assemble toys securely with the right pliers and fasteners, reducing the risk of parts breaking off

• Shape and sand wooden pieces safely to avoid sharp edges or unsafe splinters

• Work efficiently and confidently, knowing you have everything you need within arm’s reach

Having the right tools doesn’t just make the job easier, it gives you peace of mind that you're crafting safe, enriching, and high-quality toys your bird will love and that you’ll feel proud to offer.

Choose the Right Tools for the Job

When shopping for tools, quality really matters, especially when you're working with tough materials like hardwoods or stainless-steel toy parts. Hand tools such as pliers and screwdrivers should feel comfortable in your hands and be the right size for your grip. Whenever possible, visit a hardware store and test out a few options to see what fits you best.

Avoid jewelry making tools they’re designed for delicate beadwork and often won’t hold up to making bird toys. For example, I personally prefer size 6 linesman pliers for their durability and comfortable grip while working with o-rings and toy parts. 

Quality Doesn’t Have to Mean Expensive

High-quality tools don’t need to come with a high price. One of my favorite sets is Pittsburgh from Harbor Freight, and it’s both affordable and reliable. You don’t need to buy top-shelf brands to get the job done well. 

That being said, some tools are worth the investment, especially if you’re making toys regularly or working with harder materials. My bolt cutters, electric sander, and scroll saw are brand name, but for good reason. Comfort, reliability, and long-term use were key factors in my decision. In fact, the sander I use is made by a company that’s the only one offering the features I needed, and the scroll saw I found secondhand in great condition.

For tools you’ll use often or for tasks that demand precision and power, spending a bit more can save you a lot of frustration down the line.

Also, keep an eye out for hidden gems at garage sales, estate sales, or local swap meets. Many older tools are built to last and can be a fantastic addition to your bird toy toolbox if they’re still in good condition. Always check for rust, broken grips, how it works, or broken parts before buying secondhand.

Essential Tools for Bird Toy Making

Here’s your complete bird toy-making toolbox, categorized for easy setup.

Cutting Tools

• Heavy-duty scissors – For leather, cotton rope, and thick paper.

• Utility knife / box cutter – For cutting soft plastic, rope, or cardboard.

• Wire cutters – Essential for trimming chain, skewers, or thin wire.

• Flush cutters – Create smooth edges on zip ties and soft wire.

• Fabric shears/Rotary cutter – Ideal for cutting fleece strips

• Paper cutter – Great for slicing even stacks of shredder paper

• Bolt cutters – For cutting thicker chains or wire.

• Small hand saw – For manually cutting balsa, pine
  
  

Power Tools 

• Scroll saw – For precision wood shaping and curved cuts.

• Band saw – Cuts through thicker or dense wood for larger toys.

• Miter saw – great for angled cuts on hardwood
  
• Bench or orbital sander – Smooths wood edges quickly and safely.
  
  

• Cordless drill or Dremel – For drilling holes in beads, nuts, wood blocks.

• Drill bits – Use brad-point bits (1/16" to 3/8") for cleaner holes.

• Table Saw – For creating wood slats pieces and more.

Punching & Specialty Tools

• Big Bite Crop-A-Dile – Punches through leather, thin wood, and plastic.

• Awl – Handy for starting holes in soft material like paper cups.

• Mini vice or clamp – Keeps pieces steady while drilling or sawing. Great for DIY perches.

Assembly Tools

• Needle-nose pliers – For threading wire or bending small parts.

• Flat-nose pliers – Helps hold hardware and twist securely.

• Round-nose pliers – Used to curl or shape wire loops.

• Linesman pliers – Ideal for daily use, such as opening O-rings.
  
  

• Assortment of screwdrivers – For eye screws, toy hangers, and hardware.

Measuring & Layout

• Ruler – For small and accurate measurements.

• Measuring tape – Essential for longer toy parts and ropes.

• L-square or angle ruler – Keeps your cuts and designs straight and symmetrical.

• Pencil or fine-tip marker – For marking drill holes and cut lines.

• Templates or stencils – Speeds up uniform design making.

• Cutting Mat  – Protects your work surface when cutting.

Bird-Safe Toy Making Materials

Once your tools are ready, stock up on these safe materials for your bird toys:

• Bird-safe rope – Hemp, sisal, cotton, or paper rope.

• Plastic chain – Choose bird-safe versions.

• Stainless steel hardware – Quick links, O-rings, split rings.

• Zip ties – Great for foot toys to seagrass mats

• Untreated wood – Pine, balsa, fir, and other softwoods.

• Paper parts – Shredded paper, cupcake liners, cardboard.

• Leather strips – Vegetable-tanned only.

• Bird-safe dye – Use dyes to safely color toy parts.

🔗 Tip: For bird-safe toy parts and materials, shop our curated collection at PDS Parrot Shop

Safety Equipment You Shouldn’t Skip

Even DIY bird toys require shop safety precautions. Always have:

• Work gloves – When sawing or sanding.

• Safety goggles – Essential when using power tools or drilling.

• Dust mask – To avoid breathing in sawdust or paper fibers.

• Non-toxic disinfectant – Clean all surfaces with F10 or vinegar-based cleaners.

• Headlamp or task light – For detailed work in low light.

• Air compressor or blower – To clean off wood dust.
  
  

Organize Your Workspace

A messy workspace makes toy-making harder and less safe. Stay organized with:

• Storage bins for wood, plastic, and paper parts

• Parts organizer boxes for beads, hardware, and rings

• A clean towel or mat for working on clean surfaces

• Labeling system (or printer) to track toy designs or batches

Making your own bird toys is incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get to tailor enrichment to your parrot’s specific needs, but you also know exactly what materials were used. Whether you're a hobbyist or a full-time rescuer, a well-stocked toolbox is your key to creative, safe, and enriching toy design. Once you have your essential bird toy tools, you’ll need the right bird toy parts to bring your DIY creations to life.

 

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!