Birds are full of personality and make wonderful and intelligent pets. Birds are natural problem solvers with busy minds, so providing them with an array of toys is important for their mental wellbeing. Toys not only encourage exercise and entertainment, but help wear down their beak and nails. A good quality collection of bird toys will provide your bird with hours of entertainment and stimulation, making them less likely to develop any behavioural problems such as feather picking or squawking. We have done the research to help you choose the best quality toys and ensure your bird's playtime is safe and enjoyable.
What is unsafe for birds
When choosing bird toys, safety should be your top concern. While most bird toy manufacturers are very vigilant, birds can injure themselves very easily. You should avoid any bird toys with choking hazards, or with large spaces that their head or toes may get caught. You should assess each toy carefully for the size and breed of your bird. In addition, replace your toys as soon as they start to wear, as any loose materials can become a hazard.
What type of toy should I choose for my bird?
You should provide your bird with an ever-changing variety of interesting, fun and destructible toys. You should rotate the toys in and out of the cage every few days to keep your bird happy and stimulated and to ensure he or she does not get bored.
Bird Play Gyms
Bird Play Gyms provide fun and stimulating enrichment for birds. They allow your bird to play, exercise and nibble, and generally come on wheels so they can be easily moved around the house for added excitement. The Bono Fido Alto Bird Gym is a purpose-built bird gym that will supply your bird with endless entertainment. It features hooks, ladders, a swing, a perch and a feeding station to ensure they never get bored!
Foraging Toys
Foraging is a natural instinct for birds, it keeps them occupied and mentally stimulated. Providing your bird with toys that encourage foraging behaviour and problem solving exercises their mind and helps prevent boredom. The Kazoo Foraging Crinkle Vine keeps your bird occupied by allowing them to chew, tug and dismantle, imitating what they would do in the wild and keeping them engaged for long periods. It is designed to be destroyed, and stimulated their problem solving skills. Similarly, the Ninos Java Forage Square stimulates your bird’s natural foraging behaviour by making them work hard for their food. This keeps them both entertained and active.
Mirror toys
Birds are social creatures, and love having a friend for company. Most species of birds aren’t able to recognise their own reflection, so mirror toys are an easy way to create a play friend for your bird. The Kazoo Rectangle Mirror is a fun accessory to keep your bird amused. This mirror features bells for musical engagement and bright colours to spark interest. The Avi One Round Mirror is another high quality mirror toy that will provide enrichment and entertainment for your bird. Please note that mirrors are a supplement to abundant attention and companionship which must be provided by the owner.
Swing toys
Bird swings are a great idea to provide interaction and exercise as the gentle swaying motion of a swing is similar to the movement of a tree branch. They provide a fun and entertaining way to play, while relieving boredom. The Avi One 2 in 1 Swing is the perfect addition to your bird’s cage for afternoon naps or hangs! The Bird LIFE swing has an acrylic frame, so will not only entertain your bird but also naturally trim their nails and beak.
Ladders
Ladder toys provide your bird with a fun obstacle to play and rest on. The Living World 7 Step Plastic Ladder is a multi-coloured ladder that is bright, colourful and designed to withstand the playfully destructive nature of birds. Similarly, the Kazoo 5 Step Ladder is a sturdy ladder that will keep your bird busy. It can be hung to or clung to, helping to develop feet muscles, and encourages your feathered friend to climb and peck.
Chew toys
Birds love to chew and nibble as is it a natural instinct for them, especially during breeding season. Providing your bird with safe, destructible toys to chew on helps fight boredom. Appropriate chewable objects include untreated wood blocks, branches, rawhide and natural fibre rope, but always check the label first. The Ninos Java Bird Toy Linx gives your bird an opportunity to chew and climb, while encouraging foraging. The Living World Knot A Rope is durable, safe and banana flavoured. It comes in various sizes to suit birds of all sizes.
Every bird is different, so it is important to experiment with different types of toys to find out what your bird likes. Although having an array of toys is important, be sure to rotate this instead of crowding the cage with too many toys. Bird toys will keep your bird mentally and physically stimulated, and are vital for birds of all sizes. Birds love to destroy things, so always choose destructible toys as indestructible toys go against their nature and are boring. If you are unsure what toys are suitable for your breed of bird, be sure to check with your local veterinarian.
