FAQ: Toys for birds

A toy should be large and strong enough that the bird cannot break it in minutes or swallow its parts, but not so big that it frightens the bird. Manufacturers usually state what size of bird a toy is made for.

A large bird can easily crush a small toy, swallow its parts or get its beak or tongue caught in small rings or chains. Always choose toys made for your bird’s size or bigger.

Large toys are often too hard and heavy for a small bird, and their rings and gaps may be just the size to trap a head or leg. It is safest to choose toys made for your bird’s size.

In that case choose toys that are safe for both the smallest and the largest bird: no small rings that could trap the smaller one, and sturdy enough that the larger one cannot crush them. Provide several toys so the birds do not fight.

Softer woods such as balsa, basswood or pine are easy to chew and suit smaller birds. Harder woods such as beech or maple suit strong chewers, so it is worth matching the wood to the bird’s beak strength.

Coloured toys made for birds are usually dyed with food-grade or bird-safe colours, but it is worth checking the manufacturer’s description. If the dye heavily stains the beak or your hands or the toy smells of chemicals, it is better not to use it.

Acrylic toys are sturdy, easy to clean and long-lasting, so they suit birds that quickly destroy wood. However, cracked acrylic can have sharp edges, so a damaged toy should be thrown away.

Stainless steel parts are considered the safest, while galvanised, lead-containing or unknown metal can be toxic if the bird chews it. Avoid rusty metal parts or ones with a peeling finish.

Zinc and lead are heavy metals that can poison a bird if it chews or swallows them. Possible signs include lethargy, vomiting, unusual droppings, thirst or seizures, and in that case contact a vet immediately.

Leather used in bird toys should be vegetable-tanned and free of chemical dyes. Leather is good for chewing and shredding, but if the bird swallows it in large pieces, it is better to remove the toy.

Yes, paper and cardboard are an inexpensive shredding material that birds love. Use them without inks, glossy coatings, glue or sticky tape, and do not offer cardboard that has got wet or mouldy.

It is often said that modern newspaper inks are low in toxicity, but the safest choice for shredding is unprinted paper such as plain writing paper, baking paper or paper towels. Glossy magazine paper and colourful advertising leaflets are best avoided.

Palm leaf, seagrass, corn husk and similar natural materials shred easily, so the bird can pick them apart as it would in nature. These toys suit small and medium birds, but they wear out quickly.

Natural cork is light, easy to chew and birds like it. If the bird swallows a lot of cork pieces rather than spitting them out, remove the toy and watch that its droppings and appetite are normal.

Coconut shell is tough and fibrous, so it is good for chewing, and a hollowed-out shell can become a hide or a foraging toy. The edges of the shell should be sanded and not sharp.

Loofah and yucca are soft, natural materials that birds love to shred, so they suit smaller parrots. They wear out quickly, and moisture can make them mouldy, so replace them more often.

Balsa is a very soft, light wood, so it is easy to chew even for small birds or those still learning to chew. A large parrot will destroy a balsa toy very quickly.

Hard, sturdy plastic suits small birds and light chewers, but a strong parrot can crunch plastic into sharp pieces. Choose toys that match the bird’s size and throw away cracked ones.

Bird toy makers usually use non-toxic glue or join parts without glue. When making toys at home, it is safer to use rope, wooden joints or stainless steel parts rather than ordinary household glue.

Untreated, undyed rattan or wicker balls and baskets appeal to birds, because they can chew them and treats can be hidden inside. Check that the weave has no metal staples or varnished coating.