FAQ: Toys for birds

Mineral blocks, cuttlebone and mineral chew toys give a bird something to chew and can be an additional source of minerals. They do not replace a balanced diet, and it is worth asking a vet about the need for supplements.

Heavy-chewing parrots suit thick hardwood blocks, chunky leather pieces, thick natural rope and sturdy acrylic or stainless steel puzzles. Such toys still need regular checks, because they wear too.

Shredding is natural parrot behaviour, and some species tear bark and leaves for nesting in the wild. Paper and cardboard are a safe way to meet this need, but if the shredding is linked to nest-building, keep an eye on hormonal behaviour.

Puzzle toys require the bird to open a lid, slide out a drawer, turn a disc or pull a pin to get a treat. They are especially suitable for clever parrots such as African greys, cockatoos or macaws.

Start with the simplest one-step puzzles and choose more complex ones only once the bird is skilled. A puzzle that is too hard quickly frustrates a bird, while one that is too easy stops holding its interest.

Yes, many parrots learn tricks such as dropping a ball into a basket, stacking rings on a post or fetching an object. Sessions should be short, with treats and praise as the reward.

Training kits usually include a small basket with balls, rings, blocks or learning boards for teaching tricks. They suit birds that already trust their owner and can be trained on a table.

There is no single number, but most parrots benefit from several short play or training sessions a day rather than one long one. What matters most is that the bird has both interaction with people and independent activity every day.

Yes, many parrots enjoy playing with people: tugging a rope, tossing a ball, hiding and finding things. Playing together strengthens the bond with the bird, but stop when it shows signs of tiredness or unease.

Some birds find such toys interesting, but they can frighten timid ones. Choose models made for birds with no reachable batteries, use them under supervision and watch the bird’s reaction.

Toys do not teach talking directly, but a busy, calm bird is more likely to interact and copy sounds. Talking is helped most by daily interaction, short repeated words and praise.

Many owners change some toys every week or two, leaving the bird’s favourites in the cage. Toys the bird has tired of can be washed, put away and brought back after a while.

Keep several sets of toys and swap some of them from time to time, changing only one or two toys at once. That way the bird keeps finding something new without losing its familiar surroundings.

Hang toys in different places and at different heights so the bird moves between them, without blocking perches, dishes and the door. Avoid hanging toys over food and water, so debris and droppings do not fall in.

It is better not to hang large, swinging or ringing toys by the sleeping perch, as they can startle or bump the bird at night. The sleeping spot should be calm, with the play area in another part of the cage.

Some birds happily play on the floor, especially with balls or a foraging tray. Toys there get dirty faster from droppings and food, so they need cleaning more often.

Birds have favourite toys just as they have favourite spots, so this is normal. Keep the favourite and hang a new one next to it, so the bird is more likely to notice the new one too.

Yes, time out of the cage is a great chance to play with a play gym, foraging toys and the owner. It also helps keep the bird from taking an interest in dangerous household items such as cables or plants.

Not necessarily, but even undamaged toys become boring over time, so it is worth rotating them periodically. Check that the toy is not dirty, mouldy or worn at the joints before putting it back into rotation.

Yes, in an overcrowded cage the bird has nowhere to move, can catch itself on toys, and some birds become anxious. Fewer toys swapped more often are better than a cage crammed full all at once.