When getting a new pet bird, providing safe toys is an important part of setting up their environment. Birds are intelligent, active animals that need mental stimulation and physical activity to stay happy and healthy. The right toys can provide enriching playtime and prevent problematic behaviors like screeching or feather plucking. However, not all toys are safe for our feathered friends. Certain materials, parts, and designs can pose health risks or even be deadly if ingested. So it’s critical for bird owners to do their research before buying toys. This article will cover what bird owners need to know about safe bird toys, including:
What to look for in safe bird toys
Dangerous materials to avoid
Toy parts that can be hazardous
Safe toy designs
Top safe toy recommendations by bird species
With some basic guidelines, you can confidently pick toys that will provide hours of enjoyment without putting your pet at risk. Getting the right toys will go a long way in keeping your bird active, engaged, and entertained.
What to Look for in Safe Bird Toys
When browsing toy options for your feathered friend, keep an eye out for products made with the following safety features:
Bird-Safe Materials
The best bird toys will be constructed from materials that are non-toxic and bird-safe if chewed or ingested. Some of the top safe materials include:
– Natural Wood – Look for untreated, pesticide-free hardwoods like maple, poplar, or beech that won’t splinter easily. Softer woods can work for larger birds that don’t chew as aggressively.
– Rope – Natural fiber ropes made from materials like cotton or sisal make great perches and shredable toys.
– Palm Fronds – Fronds from palm plants can be shredded into pieces to create toy components.
– Straw – Both natural and dried straw can work well for foraging activities.
– Paper – Uninked paper is fine for shredding, but avoid paper with any sort of dyes.
– Cardboard – Plain corrugated cardboard and paper egg cartons are good shredding options.
– Natural Fibers – Coconut shells, sea grass, yucca, and bamboo stems/shoots.
– Leather – For larger parrots, untreated vegetable-tanned leather can make long-lasting chew toys.
No Hazardous Parts
Avoid any toys with components that could become loose and pose a choking hazard or internal blockage. Opt for products with:
– Large, sturdy parts too big to swallow
– Parts securely fastened together
– No ribbons, strings, or threads that could tangle feet or be accidentally ingested
– No split-apart components or noisy squeakers attractive to birds
Proper Size
Toys should be suited to your bird’s actual size to prevent injuries:
– For small birds, look for toys a few inches long at most.
– Medium birds need toys 5-10 inches in length.
– Large birds can handle bigger toys 10+ inches long.
– Width should allow the bird’s feet to grip comfortably.
– Avoid toys so large your bird can become stuck inside.
Variety
Seek out toys that offer different shapes, textures, materials, colors, and play styles to keep things interesting:
– Shredders – Toys that can be torn apart like ropes, wood blocks, palm fronds
– Treat dispensers – Puzzles and foragers that hide treats
– Perches – Wooden swing perches, ladders, etc.
– Bells and curly cues – Foot toys that promote exercise
– Chew toys – Wood pieces, mineral blocks, leather strips
– Balls and stackable cups – Manipulative playthings
Rotating different types of toys will prevent boredom and overuse injuries.
Dangerous Materials to Avoid
On the flip side, some common toy materials should never be used due to serious health risks:
Zinc
Zinc is toxic to birds and can cause heavy metal poisoning. Galvanized wire and zinc hardware can contain zinc coatings. Stainless steel is a safer alternative.
Lead
Lead poisoning can result from toys made with leaded paints or metals. Vintage toys are most likely to contain lead.
PVC/ Vinyl
PVC plastic can release toxins when chewed. It’s especially dangerous if ingested.
Paint
Painted toys often contain lead or zinc in their pigments. Any paint can chip and be accidentally ingested.
Stained Wood
The stains and seals used on wood can be toxic. Opt for unfinished, untreated wood when possible.
Pesticide-Treated Wood
Wood treated to resist rot/pests contains arsenic and can poison birds who chew it. Don’t use outdoor treated wood.
Recycled or Scrap Wood
You don’t know what past treatments/stains may have been used on recycled wood pieces. New untreated wood is safest.
Toy Parts That Can Be Hazardous
Beyond material concerns, some toy parts by their very design are risky. Watch out for:
Small Removable Parts
Any pieces that can detach create a choking/blockage risk if swallowed. Avoid toys where parts come loose easily.
Strings, Ribbons, Threads
Long string-like parts can wrap around toes or feet and cut off circulation. Birds can also get them caught in their crop.
Exposed Metal Wires
Wires used in toy construction can fray with chewing. Ingested fragments can get embedded in the crop lining or puncture organs.
Lead Jingle Bells
Small jingle bells on bird toys often contain lead in their metal alloys. Lead poisoning is a real danger if ingested.
Toy Chains
Linked toy chains pose a catch risk and allow unsafe swallowing of multiple parts.
Metal Clips and S-Hooks
Clips used to hang toys often fall off and can be ingested. Quick-release S-hooks are safer connectors.
Noisy Squeakers
Squeak toys attract interest but pose a choking risk and can be quickly destroyed.
Safe Toy Designs
When checking toy quality and construction, look for these safety features:
Proper Fastening
All parts should be tightly secured to prevent detached pieces. Wood parts can be drilled and pegged or lashed with leather/sisal.
Big Parts First
Toys should be assembled with larger parts closer to the attachment point and smaller parts at the tip. This prevents swallowing big chunks if the toy comes apart.
No External Connectors
Avoid toys held together with clips, links, chains, joints. Opt for continuous one-piece units or with internal connections only.
Smooth Transitions
There should be no sudden narrowing points or gaps that could catch toes or mouths when chewing.
Resists Moisture
Wood should be dried and sealed to avoid mildew or bacteria. Rope perches can be treated to prevent rotting.
Easy Sanitation
Toys should have accessible surfaces and minimal crevices that allow thorough cleaning and disinfection when needed.
Destructible But Durable
Toys meant for chewing should resist shredding too quickly but dismantle into safe pieces not big chunks.
Top Safe Toy Recommendations by Bird Species
While all birds require mental stimulation, different types of birds tend to enjoy different toy styles based on natural behaviors, size, and personality. Here are top safe toy recommendations for popular pet bird species:
Budgies/Parakeets
As active climbers that love to chew, great toys include:
– Natural wood ladders, branches, swings
– Rope perches and shredded sisal toys
– Paper and palm shredders
– Treat dispensing wood blocks
– Small bell toys
Avoid:
– Toys with small detachable parts
– Fibers longer than 3 inches
Toy Type | Specific Recommendations |
---|---|
Swings/Perches | – Bamboo ladder swings – Wood perch with bell – Braided cotton rope perches |
Shredders | – Soloroll natural palm shredder – Yucca shredder |
Treat Dispensers | – Winged wood block treat holder – Acrylic foraging wheel |
Cockatiels
Intelligent cockatiels enjoy toys they can manipulate and destroy, such as:
– Wood blocks, plastic bead jars for chewing
– Paper toys for shredding
– Rings, curlicues to hold and flip
– Puzzle boxes and foragers
Avoid:
– Toys with thin wires or small parts
– Straw or hay (crop impaction risk)
Toy Type | Specific Recommendations |
---|---|
Foot Toys | – Colored plastic rings – Wood rings with bells – Paper curlicues |
Chew Toys | – Cotton rope perch – Natural wood block – Cuttlebone |
Foraging | – Coconut hide treat chew – Clear acrylic forager |
African Grey Parrots
These incredibly intelligent birds need constant stimulation. Great options are:
– Puzzle boxes and advanced foragers
– Wood, paper, bark for shredding
– Foot toys that link together in various ways
– Treat balls and food puzzles
– Perches, ropes, swings
Avoid: Toys with small parts that can break off
Toy Type | Specific Recommendations |
---|---|
Tricky Foragers | – Acrylic puzzle cube – Lock box treat dispenser |
Foot Toys | – Acrylic stacking shapes – Colorful wood shapes |
Perches | – Wood swing perch – Cotton boing perch – Natural branch perch |
Lovebirds
These busy birds are happiest with toys they can chew and shred, like:
– Wood blocks, sticks, branches
– Raffia, paper, cardboard for tearing
– Palm fans, yucca chunks
– Natural perches and ladders
– Treat balls
Avoid: Toys bigger than their head which could cause injuries
Toy Type | Specific Recommendations |
---|---|
Shredders | – Soloroll palm shredder – Cuttlebone – Paper honeycomb ball |
Chewables | – Wood block assortment – Mineral stone perch |
Treat Toys | – Small wood treat ball – Foraging kabob |
Large Parrots
Big birds like Amazon parrots or macaws need size-appropriate sturdy toys, like:
– Thick ropes, wood, branches for chewing
– Heavy interactive foraging toys
– Cement perches, mineral stones
– Large wood blocks with treat wells
– Leather strips, plastic ball chains
Avoid flimsy toys that can be easily destroyed and ingested.
Toy Type | Specific Recommendations |
---|---|
Chew Toys | – Thick cotton boing with bell – Vegetable tanned leather piece |
Tricky Foragers | – Large acrylic puzzle cube – Wood pyramid treat dispenser |
Foot Toys | – Cement cinnamon perch – Acrylic bell ball |
Conclusion
Supplying your feathered friends with entertaining, enriching toys is one of the best ways to keep them happy and healthy. By steering clear of hazardous materials and unsafe designs, you can feel good about letting your bird play with their fun new toys. Use this guide to shop smart for safe bird toys tailored to your pet’s unique needs and behaviors. With the right interactive toy options, you’ll see your parakeet, cockatiel, parrot or other bird become more active, vocal and engaged.