Toys provide entertainment and promote activity for pet birds. Some birds when bored will start pecking at their own feathers so engaging their curiosity with toys is part of maintaining their wellbeing. Bird toys, whether they be swings, ladders, bells or something more ornate, come in all shapes and sizes. Not every bird toy is suitable for all pet bird types, so a little care is needed when deciding what to make available.
Safety Aspects
The toy needs to be sturdy, especially if it going to be exposed to the strength of the beak of a large parrot. Parts that can break off are clearly to be avoided, as are dubious materials. Reputable toys carry labels which will allow the buyer to determine whether the colours are provided by harmless natural vegetable dyes or have been left untreated.
Care needs to be taken about anything metal as coatings that will eventually scratch off or even the metal itself can be very dangerous to some birds. Plastic toys with smooth surfaces are easiest to keep clean and reduce risk of infection. Care is also needed if the toy is to be fastened to the bird cage if the fastenings can be broken, so purpose-made clips are advisable.
Mirrors are fine for most small birds, but if one observes a bird, usually a male, attempting to feed its reflection then the mirror should be removed. In some cases the bird will bond with its reflection and become both anti-social or even aggressive when it gets no reaction from its imaginary companion.
Bird Toy Types
The size of the toy should be relative to the size of the bird. Small toys can get badly chewed and if broken, small fragments could cause choking in larger birds, while large toys can scare small birds, especially if the toy moves through being rocked. Ladders are suitable for almost all pet birds, if the appropriate sizes are available. Rings or swings are ideal for small birds. Small birds also enjoy wheels. Some larger birds will utilise swings but not usually as eagerly as smaller birds. Most birds will enjoy seesaws once they have become familiar with them.
Puzzles and maze-type toys are enjoyed by larger birds. Parrots are very fond of puzzles with nuts inside and toys that have knots, usually of suitable hide or leather that engages their intellect and curiosity. Most large parrots really enjoy rawhide dog chews. With any bird toy fastened with thread in some way, such as some types that encourage the birds to practice preening, the keeper must keep watch for loose fragments or frayed parts that can be swallowed and remove them before it happens.
Ways To Utilise Bird Toys
To get the best use from toys it is worth having a variety and alternating them from time to time to freshen up the environment for the pet birds. Toys need not be expensive and can even be made. With some birds and a little care and observation, newspapers and discarded toilet rolls will be greatly enjoyed as the birds destroy them or hide under them. Discarded baby toys such as tough teething rings can be suitable. Large colourful buttons in a clear plastic bottle will often keep parrots amused for some time. Last but not least, bird toys can be used to teach tricks and train birds while entertaining both the bird and its keeper.
Ian Dutton - My writing is part of my lifelong fascination with all spects of plants and animals. My homepage at Naturepieces explains more. My ...
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