Birds are fun, charming, and personable little pets. Polly may be small, but she’s got loads of personality. One thing that is very important as far as keeping your feathered pal happy is making sure that she has lots of fun toys to play with. You can find great options in stores, but you can also make your winged buddy’s playthings at home. In fact, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of making your pet toys occasionally, just so you can quickly make her something new. Read on as a local Deer Park, TX veterinarian talks about homemade bird toys.
Why Are Toys Important For Birds?
Birds are very active, and can easily get bored and restless. While Polly should have plenty of free time outside of her cage every day, she’ll likely spend quite a bit of time inside it. Making sure that your pet has enrichment and stimulation is crucial for her mental and emotional health. Keep things fresh and fun by providing new things and rotating your winged pal’s playthings out regularly.
What Do Birds Like To Play With?
The short answer to that? Anything and everything they can shred or destroy!!
Birds are scavengers in the wild, and they are always looking for things like seeds, some of which they need to get past a plant to reach. Your feathered buddy has a pretty deeply ingrained instinct for foraging and also, well, opening things. Birds are also naturally curious and more than a little mischievous.
Is Cardboard Safe For Birds?
Generally, cardboard isn’t going to be listed as a dangerous item. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Cardboard boxes that have staples or tape on them are definitely not bird safe. Something that has paint or stickers on it is also a no-no. With some products, the glue may be a concern.
As a rule of thumb, stick with plain cardboard. Ask your vet for more information.
How Can I Tell If My Pet Bird Is Bored?
Just like people, our feathered pals can get antsy and restless if they have nothing to do. (Normally we would note that your pet can’t tell you if they’re bored, but that may not apply here, as some birds actually can talk.)
You’ll want to watch for behavioral clues. These include things like restlessness, depression, feather plucking, pacing, and distressed vocalization. Keep in mind that these things can also signify pain or illness. It’s best to err on the side of caution and contact your vet if you spot any of them.
What Materials Can I Use To Make Bird Toys?
There’s almost no end to the various options and combinations you can make your feathered pal. There may be more potential playthings in your house than you ever would have thought.
Here are a few of the possible materials you can use.
- Wood, Wicker, And Grass Items: Some good examples include baskets, thread spools, popsicle sticks, coconut products, pinecones, products made of palm, seagrass, or corn husks, children’s blocks, and wooden shapes and spoons.
- Plastic Items: Many kids’ toys are also fun for Polly! Options here include beads, balls, bottlecaps, buttons, chains, shower rings, poker chips, cups, mugs, pacifiers, rattles, and tubes.
- Paper and Cardboard Items: Shredded paper, phone books, playing cards, boxes, and cardboard tubes are a few examples.
Be sure to ask your vet for specific recommendations. These may vary a bit, depending on what type of bird you have.
What Items Are Unsafe For Birds?
Safety should always come first when it comes to pet toys. Polly doesn’t know what is and isn’t safe for her. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to avoid anything that could entangle, choke, or cut her, as well as anything that could be toxic.
Here is a list of things to avoid:
- Small or sharp objects
- Items covered in varnish, glitter, or dye
- Strings and cords
- Metal items that may contain or be coated with zinc or lead, such as cowbells, metal clips, bell clappers, or lead weights
- Anything with a wax coating
- Toys that are easily taken (or broken) apart
- Anything with splinters
- Woven cloths
- Thin fabrics (anything that can rip easily)
- Keyrings
- Chains with open links
- Anything that may have been printed with toxic ink
You’ll also need to be careful with children’s toys. Some, such as children’s blocks, are fine. Others could be unsafe. Rope toys are also something to be careful of. Discard them when they get shredded. Also, make sure your pet can’t get entangled.
It’s also important to monitor your bird when she is playing. Some birds are more destructive than others. A bird that is a strong chewer could potentially break a piece of thin plastic.
Finally, keep in mind that recommendations will vary a bit, depending on Polly’s breed, size, and playing habits. Be sure to do plenty of research, and ask your vet for recommendations.
Birdie Gift Basket
Birds love foraging! Get Polly a large woven basket. You’ll want to pick something with a big handle, so she can perch on it. We would suggest wrapping that handle with cloth, just in case there are any splinters. You can also use a cardboard box. Just fill the basket with smaller toys and goodies and let Polly go to town!
Hanging Toys
This is a great option because there are almost endless variations. Basically, just string things together. You may need a small drill to put holes in your chosen items. Some of the things that work well for this include plastic shower curtain rings, plastic bottle caps, rice cakes, coffee filters, paper cupcake holders, and even wine corks.
Toilet Paper/Paper Towel Rolls
There are lots of things you can do with these.
- Stuff it with uncooked spaghetti. Many birds love this!
- Poke holes in it, stuff some shredded paper into it, and then stick treats into it.
- Incorporate it into a fun basket or hanging toy.
Popsicle Sticks
Popsicle sticks are very versatile. You can use them to make all sorts of bird toys. One option is to hang them from strings, using colorful beads as separators. You can also make little ladders out of them. Just make sure the stick is clean and dry, and that it doesn’t have any broken or chipped edges. If you want to color it, use only non-toxic dye.
Egg Carton Surprise
Take a cardboard egg carton. Fill each cup with goodies, such as a treat or a small toy. Millet is a good option. These items don’t have to be fancy; golf balls, bottle caps, and wooden thread spools are a few options. Then, shut the box and let your pet forage for her rewards. Don’t let her eat the carton, though!
Conclusion: Playing provides pet birds with much-needed entertainment and enrichment. In order to keep your bird happy, you’ll need to make sure she has lots of playthings. You can buy these, but there are also tons of things you can make at home. Just stick with safe items.
Make An Appointment At Your Deer Park, TX Pet Hospital
Are you looking for a great avian vet in the area? Is your feathered buddy due for any veterinary services? Please contact us for all of your pet’s needs. As your local Deer Park, TX animal hospital, we are always happy to help!
