Bird toys keep your bird occupied, entertained, and just plain happy. Birds are very intelligent and can become destructive when they are bored. Toys help keep them occupied. There are all sorts of bird toys available, made from a variety of materials. Birds need stimulation and play, and toys help provide that. Some toys can be used by the bird alone, while others require interaction from you which also builds your relationship with your bird. When choosing bird toys, some varieties include chew toys, climbing toys, foraging toys, puzzles, and preening toys. The size and type of toys you need will depend on the breed, age, and size of your bird. Bird toys can be used in or out of the cage depending on the type of toy and breed of bird. Keep a variety of toys on hand and rotate them frequently. Choose bird toys made from quality, non-toxic ingredients. Be sure the size of the toy is appropriate for the size of the bird. Be sure all painted toys use non-toxic paint. Although some baby toys or toys intended for other animals like dogs or cats may be cute and seem harmless, the safest toys for birds are always those designed just for them. Birds play with toys much differently than other animals, and a toy that may be very safe for a dog could be dangerous or even deadly for a bird. Check the toys often for signs of wear, and discard any toys that could lose pieces which could then be swallowed by the bird. Be especially wary of toys that have rope parts. Fraying rope can get caught in a bird’s nails and cause her injury. Most birds take very readily to toys. Some birds may be wary of new toys at first. If this happens, try placing the toy on the floor of the cage, and letting your bird warm up to it in her own time. In choosing bird toys, you will find that they range in price from just a few dollars to a hundred dollars or more. Most bird toys are around $10-$20. Most bird owners find they don’t need a large collection of bird toys, although there are so many options, you may be tempted to amass quite a few. Most birds are very happy with just a few toys at a time. Other toys can be kept stored away, until the bird is ready for some new stimulation. Bird toys should always be cleaned thoroughly before being given to your bird and before being stored away after play.

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