Top 10 DIY Parrot Toys Ideas for a Stimulating Bird Setup

parrot in cage

Top 10 DIY Parrot Toys Ideas for a Stimulating Bird Setup

parrot in cage

Top 10 DIY Parrot Toys Ideas for a Stimulating Bird Setup

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Are you ready to soar into a world of creativity and fun with your feathered companion?  DIY parrot toys not only offer a pathway to deepen your bond with your feathered friend but also ensure their environment is both stimulating and safe. 


In this guide, we'll explore practical tips and ideas to craft safe, stimulating toys for your feathered friend. Join us as we dive into the world of parrot DIY so you might enhance your parrot's habitat and deepen your bond. 

Key Takeaways

  • Safety First: Always prioritize your parrot's safety by selecting bird-safe materials such as untreated woods (almond, beech, birch) and avoiding toxic substances. Regular inspections for wear and tear are crucial to prevent injuries.

  • Engagement and Stimulation: Variety is the spice of life, especially for parrots. Incorporate different types of toys (foraging, chewing, puzzles) to keep your bird mentally and physically engaged. Rotating toys frequently can prevent boredom and stimulate curiosity.

  • Customization and Interaction: Tailoring toys to your parrot's specific interests enhances interaction. If your parrot initially shows little interest, introduce toys with their favorite treats or foods to encourage play. Remember, each parrot has unique preferences; observing their behavior is key to discovering what delights them.

Best Parrot Toys Ideas & Tips

Creating the perfect environment for your parrot isn't just about the right diet, spacious cage, or the love you shower on them. It's also about choosing the right toys to keep them mentally stimulated, physically active, and emotionally satisfied. Here is our guide to the perfect parrot toys to ensure your feathered friend's happiness and well-being.


parrot in cage at home
Unsplash | Freepik | Pixabay ♥

The Importance of Toy Safety

When selecting toys for your parrot, safety comes first. Toys specifically designed for birds minimize the risk of accidents, such as choking or entanglement. Avoid toys with small, detachable parts, sharp edges, or those made from toxic materials. Safe attachments, like C-hooks, prevent your bird from getting stuck or injured. Remember, the appeal of a toy is lost if it poses a danger to your parrot's well-being.

Types of Toys

Foraging Toys: Parrots have a natural instinct to forage, making toys that stimulate this behavior essential for their well-being. 


Chewing and Shredding Toys: Chewing is a critical activity for parrots to maintain beak health. These toys often come with hooks for easy cage attachment and are excellent for small to medium-sized birds.


Climbing Toys: Climbing offer physical exercise and encourage exploration. Made from bird-safe materials like wood and paper, these toys challenge your bird’s natural instincts and reduce boredom by promoting physical activity.


Interactive and Training Toys: Engaging your parrot with interactive toys. These toys offer intellectual stimulation by allowing parrots to mimic sounds or learn new phrases, enhancing their cognitive abilities.


DIY Toy Ideas: For parrot owners who prefer a more personalized approach, DIY options are limitless. Utilizing household items such as balsa wood, vine balls, coconut shells, and popsicle sticks can lead to creating unique foraging boxes, hanging toys, and edible foragers. These projects not only save money but also allow for customization based on your parrot's preferences

Top 10 DIY Parrot Toy Ideas

Ready to add some flair to your feathered friend's playground? Lets get crafty and discover how to repurpose everyday items into delightful toys that will have your parrot squawking with delight.


  1. Straw Toys: Utilize paper straws, cutting them into pieces and threading them together. Ideal for smaller birds to promote chewing and beak health.

  2. Hanging Egg Carton Toy: Repurpose an egg carton into a foraging toy by adding holes and string. Fill with colorful paper strips and treats for sensory play.

  3. Paper Straw Toy: Combine paper straws, wooden beads, and cupcake liners for a customizable toy that challenges your parrot with different textures.

  4. Foraging Basket: Fill a basket with toys, crinkle paper, and hidden treats. Great for outside-cage time, providing a treasure hunt experience.

  5. Wood Toy: Craft toys from bird-safe wood, adding beads, paper straws, and other non-toxic elements for a mix of chewing and manipulation activities.

  6. Bird Orbiter: Assemble a toy with wood hoops and rope dog toys. This slightly more complex project is rewarding with its unique design and play value.

  7. Hanging Egg Carton Toy: Create an egg carton toy with dangling paper pieces for your bird to explore. A simple, eco-friendly project that doubles as a foraging activity.

  8. Small Bird Pet Swing: Construct a swing or mini playground using wood, sticks, and beads. This project requires more effort but is highly rewarding for birds that enjoy climbing and swinging.

  9. Recycled Puzzle Piece Toy: Reuse old puzzle pieces by stringing them together. This toy is perfect for birds that like to pick at and dismantle objects.

  10. Toilet Paper Ball: Utilize empty toilet paper rolls cut into strips and fashioned into a ball. Hide treats inside for added fun and foraging activity.

parrot in cage with toy
Unsplash | Freepik | Pixabay ♥

Our Top Tips for Your Parrot Toys

  • Regularly inspect DIY toys for wear and tear to ensure they remain safe for your bird.

  • Rotate toys frequently to keep your bird's environment stimulating and engaging.

  • Incorporate a variety of materials and textures to cater to your bird's natural behaviors, such as foraging and chewing.

  • Consider your bird's size and beak strength when designing toys to ensure they are appropriate and safe.

  • Use bird-safe materials only, avoiding toxic substances and ensuring any wood used is safe for birds.

FAQ

1. What materials are safe for making DIY parrot toys?

Safe materials for DIY parrot toys include almond, bamboo, beech, birch, citrus woods, and stainless steel for any metal parts. Avoid using toxic woods like apricot, cherry, or redwood, and unsafe metals such as brass or copper. Always choose bird-safe materials to prevent health risks.

2. How can I ensure my homemade parrot toys are safe?

To ensure safety, avoid small parts that could cause choking, sharp edges that could cut, and brittle plastics that could break and cause injury. Regularly inspect toys for wear and replace them as needed to keep your parrot safe during play.

3. What types of DIY toys can I make for my parrot?

You can create a variety of toys, including ladders, swings, chewable items, foraging toys, and simple puzzles. Using household items like paper towel rolls, puzzle pieces, and wooden beads can be a great start. The key is to keep the toys engaging and safe for your parrot.

4. How often should I rotate my parrot's toys?

It's beneficial to rotate your parrot's toys every few weeks to keep them interested and stimulated. Just like humans, parrots can get bored with the same toys. Regularly introducing new toys will help keep their environment exciting and enriching.

5. My parrot doesn't play with its toys. What should I do?

If your parrot isn't interacting with its toys, try placing treats or their favorite food near the toys to encourage play. Some parrots may play when they're not being watched, so give them some time. Remember, each bird has unique preferences, and it might take some trial and error to find what they enjoy.

Top 3 YouTube Videos on Parrot Toys & Tips

1. Cheap and Easy DIY Parrot Toys | BirdNerdSophie


Discover a variety of simple and cost-effective DIY toy ideas that promise to keep your feathered friends entertained. A perfect watch for those new to parrot care.

2. STOP wasting money on your bird | diy bird toys


This tutorial emphasizes the importance of saving money while providing enriching toys for your birds. Ideal for budget-conscious parrot owners looking for inventive toy solutions.

3. CHEAP DIY BIRD TOYS | DIY Dollar Store Bird Toys


Learn how to utilize dollar store finds to create fun and engaging toys for your parrots. A great resource for creative individuals seeking affordable toy-making options.

External Links for Further Reading

Closing Thoughts on DIY Parrot Toys

As we wrap up our exploration of DIY parrot toys, it's clear that the key to fostering a happy and healthy environment for your feathered friend lies in your hands. By prioritizing safety, engaging their senses, and tailoring toys to their individual preferences, you're not only providing entertainment but also strengthening the bond you share. 


So, let your creativity soar as you embark on this journey of handmade happiness with your beloved parrot. With each new toy you craft, you're not just creating playthings; you're crafting moments of joy and connection that will enrich both of your lives for years to come.

Thank you for reading ❤️

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All our blog posts are reviewed by our Vet, Julie who is a key member of our team.

Dr Ibrar Ahmed (Julie) is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DMV) with a Master of Philosophy in Animal Nutrition. He has been looking after 2 dog shelters and a well-established dog food and care research centre since 2019.

Dr Ibrara A Our Vet.

January 04, 2024

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