Most asked Questions about Bird Toys

Bird toys are more than just colorful accessories for your parrot’s cage they are essential for bird enrichment, mental stimulation, and overall well-being. Choosing the right parrot toys can prevent boredom, reduce unwanted behaviors like feather plucking or excessive screaming, and encourage healthy physical activity.

At Prego Dalliance Sanctuary, I’ve spent years observing rescued parrots and learning which safe bird toys truly engage them. In this guide, we answer the most commonly asked questions about bird toys, share tips for selecting safe parrot toys, and provide strategies for rotating toys to keep your parrot happy, healthy, and enriched.

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1) Do parrot toys need to be colored?

Yes! Color can make a big difference!

Parrots actually see more colors than humans. While we have three types of color receptors (cones) in our eyes, parrots have a fourth: an ultraviolet (UV) cone. This lets them see UV light and detect details invisible to us.

• In the wild, females can see special UV patches on males’ feathers during mating.
• UV vision helps parrots spot shiny, waxy fruits and foods hidden in the dense green canopy.

That’s why colored toys are not just fun, they’re also mentally stimulating.

Tip: Some parrots prefer natural wood, while others are drawn to certain colors. Try a variety and see what excites your bird most.

2) What if my parrot doesn’t play with bird toys?

This is one of the most common concerns among parrot owners and the good news is, it’s completely normal. Parrots are naturally cautious creatures, and many need time to warm up to new objects in their environment.

Here are some effective ways to encourage play:

Model the behavior → Parrots are curious and learn by watching. Hold the toy, shake it, or pretend to chew it yourself. If you look excited, your parrot will eventually want to know why.

Start small → Large toys can feel intimidating. Begin with foot toys or small shreddables your parrot can explore at their own pace.

Use food motivation → Hide a favorite treat inside a foraging toy or wrap it loosely in shreddable paper. Curiosity (and hunger!) usually win.

Make it familiar → Place the toy near their cage or play stand before putting it inside. Once your parrot sees it daily, it won’t feel so scary.

Celebrate tiny steps → Even if your bird only touches the toy for a second, praise them. Confidence builds slowly.

Pro tip: Some parrots need weeks or even months before they fully interact with toys. Patience and consistency are key. Don’t give up, eventually your bird will discover that toys are not just safe, but fun and rewarding! Learn step by step process on how to introduce bird toys to your bird. 

3) What bird toys should I start with?

For beginners, I recommend starting with:

Small wood toys → A safe way to test if your parrot likes chewing wood. If they chew through quickly, upgrade to medium wood toys.

Shreddable toys → Made from paper, palm leaves, or cardboard, these let parrots safely satisfy their natural instinct to shred and tear.

Foraging toys → These encourage your parrot to work for treats or food, mimicking natural wild behaviors and keeping their mind sharp.

Acrylic toys → Larger acrylic toys are better because small acrylic pieces can break and become unsafe.

The key is variety. Start small and see what the right bird toy is for your parrot.

4) My parrot is afraid of toys. What should I do?

It’s very common for parrots, especially rescues or cautious personalities, to be scared of new toys. Remember, in the wild, anything unfamiliar could be dangerous, so fear is a natural survival instinct. The good news is, with patience, you can help your bird feel safe and eventually enjoy toys.

Here are some gentle ways to introduce toys to a fearful parrot:

Start outside the cage → Place the toy on a nearby stand, table, or even on top of the cage where your parrot can see it without feeling trapped.

Show trust first → Handle the toy calmly, talk to it, and let your parrot watch you interact with it. If you trust it, they’ll be more likely to trust it too.

Use distance → If your bird shows fear, move the toy farther away and bring it closer little by little each day.

Pair with rewards → Place a favorite treat near the toy or attach leafy greens, millet, or nuts to it. This creates positive associations.

Break it down → For larger or more colorful toys, start with just one small part of the toy and gradually introduce the rest.

Pro tip: Never force a toy into the cage right away. For some birds, it can take days or even weeks before they feel comfortable enough to touch or play with something new. Go slow, it’s worth it.

Want more tips? Check out our full guide on introducing bird toys to fearful parrots for step-by-step strategies.

5) What’s the best type of parrot toy?

The truth is, there isn’t just one “best” toy for parrots because every bird is different, and their needs change over time. Instead, the best approach is to offer a variety of toy types that cover your parrot’s physical, mental, and emotional needs.

Here are the main categories of parrot toys and why they matter:

Shreddable Toys → Made from paper, palm leaves, or cardboard, these let parrots rip, tear, and destroy, just like they would with bark and leaves in the wild. Destruction is not bad behavior; it’s healthy enrichment!

Foraging Toys → Encourage problem-solving by hiding treats, pellets, or veggies inside. Foraging keeps your parrot’s brain active and helps prevent boredom-related behaviors like feather plucking.

Wood Toys → Essential for chewing and beak health. Softer woods like pine are great for beginners, while harder woods challenge bigger chewers.

Foot Toys → Small toys parrots can hold, toss, and manipulate with their beak and feet. They help develop coordination and keep birds busy outside the cage.

Puzzle Toys → Perfect for highly intelligent parrots like African Greys, Macaws, and Cockatoos. These toys make your bird think, twist, and pull parts to earn a reward.

Acrylic & Stainless-Steel Toys → Durable options that last longer for birds who destroy softer toys too quickly.

The best setup is to rotate different types of toys regularly so your parrot never gets bored. Think of it as building a toy “playlist” chewing, shredding, foraging, and puzzling all keep your bird engaged in different ways.

Always supervise new toys at first to make sure they’re safe for your parrot’s size and chewing style. A toy that’s safe for a Cockatiel might not be safe for a Macaw, and vice versa.

Bird Toy FAQs

1) Do parrots get bored with the same toys?

Yes. Parrots are intelligent and need novelty. If your bird seems uninterested, rotate the toys, move them to a different cage spot, or swap in something new.

2) Why does my parrot destroy toys so fast?

Chewing and shredding are natural instincts. In the wild, parrots strip bark, crack nuts, and chew branches. Destroying toys isn’t “bad” it’s healthy enrichment! Just be sure to budget for shreddable toys alongside sturdier options. For parrots who love to chew, DIY wood blocks are a fantastic way to provide safe, engaging enrichment, learn how to make your own.

3) Are bird toys safe to leave in the cage overnight?

Yes, if they’re made from bird-safe materials and properly secured. Avoid toys with loose strings, sharp edges, or small pieces that can break off. Always check toys daily for wear and tear.

4) How often should I rotate parrot toys?

Rotate toys every 1–2 weeks. This keeps toys “new” and exciting without constantly buying replacements. Store unused toys out of sight so they feel fresh when reintroduced.

5) How many bird toys should be in a cage?

Most parrots need 3–5 toys inside the cage at all times, plus extras you rotate weekly. Too few toys can cause boredom, while too many can feel overwhelming.

6) Why does my bird need toys? 

Toys provide essential enrichment by preventing boredom, reducing stress, and encouraging natural behaviors like foraging, chewing, and climbing. Without toys, birds may develop destructive habits such as feather plucking, excessive screaming, or chewing on furniture. Learn more about why birds buy toys. 

Choosing the right bird toys is a crucial part of providing proper parrot enrichment. Toys keep your bird mentally stimulated, physically active, and emotionally happy, helping prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors. By selecting safe parrot toys, introducing them gradually, and rotating them regularly, you can create a cage environment that is engaging, enriching, and fun for your pet bird. 

Remember, every parrot is unique, observe their preferences, experiment with different types of toys, and prioritize safety above all. With the right approach, your parrot will thrive, and playtime will become a source of joy for both you and your bird. 

Providing your parrot with the right enrichment is just as important as a nutritious diet. Interactive bird toy help prevent destructive behaviors, encourage exercise, and keep your bird’s mind active. If you want to explore the best options for promoting healthy play and engagement, check out our in-depth guide on bird toys, which covers everything from chewable wood toys to foraging challenges that will keep your bird happy, active, and mentally stimulated.

 

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!