Parrots are intelligent creatures and need toys or other items to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. Not all parrot toys are equal. They vary in terms of the materials they are made of and the stimulation that they provide your bird.
Wooden toys: These are destructible toys, which are meant to be chewed apart. These toys provide your birds with something they are allowed to destroy, and it helps to keep their beak at a reasonable length. Many types of wood are safe for birds and there is a range of textures for them to explore.
Plastic toys: Hard plastic toys are an option for birds who enjoy ‘playing’ with a toy such as shaking it around, for example. Plastic beads and blocks are safe if they are attached to the toy in such a way that they cannot be accidentally ingested.
Noisy toys: Many birds love toys that make a noise, whether they rattle or have bells attached. This auditory stimulation adds another element to the toy which your parrot may greatly enjoy. It is important to remember that bells can pose a risk to your birds’ safety, of they were to ingest the little ball or clapper in the bell. This ingestion could then cause an obstruction in the digestive system and/or lead to metal poisoning.
Foraging toys: These are toys that birds must destroy or where they must complete a puzzle in order to earn a treat. This encourages the natural behaviour of foraging for food, which parrots’ wild counterparts do daily.
Foot toys: These are small toys (typically made of hard plastic) that can be easily held in your parrot’s foot. These toys are especially suitable for inquisitive parrots who like to hold and carry their toys around.
Educational toys: These are the toys that form part of tricks that you can train your parrot to perform. This can include, for example, a mini skateboard or a small ball, which your bird must place in a hoop.
Entertainment is a necessity that all parrot owners must provide their birds. Try to give your bird toys from each category and remember that a busy bird is a happy bird.
Toys shown in header image are from Peculiar Parrot Toys.
https://www.facebook.com/PeculiarParrotToys
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