Parrot toy making ideas DIY, Budgies, Parakeets
Parrot toy making ideas DIY
Making DIY toys for parrots, budgies, and parakeets is a fun and rewarding way to keep your feathered friends entertained, mentally stimulated, and physically active. Here are some creative and safe toy-making ideas that you can try at home:
1. Paper and Cardboard Shredders
- Materials Needed: Non-toxic paper, cardboard, and natural sisal or cotton string.
- How to Make:
- Cut paper and cardboard into strips of various sizes.
- Punch holes in the strips and thread them onto a piece of string, knotting the ends to keep them in place.
- Hang the toy in the cage or place it where your bird can easily access it.
- Benefits: Birds love to shred, and this toy satisfies their natural instinct to tear things apart.
2. Foraging Boxes
- Materials Needed: Small cardboard boxes, non-toxic glue, bird-safe treats (like seeds, nuts, or dried fruits).
- How to Make:
- Place a small treat inside a cardboard box.
- Seal the box with non-toxic glue or simply fold it closed.
- Let your bird figure out how to open the box to get the treat.
- Benefits: Encourages problem-solving and mimics natural foraging behavior.
3. Wooden Bead Chew Toy
- Materials Needed: Untreated wooden beads, natural sisal or cotton rope, small bells (optional).
- How to Make:
- Thread wooden beads onto the rope, alternating with small bells if desired.
- Knot the rope at intervals to secure the beads and bells.
- Hang the toy in the cage for your bird to chew on.
- Benefits: Helps keep beaks trim and provides entertainment through chewing and noise-making.
4. Rope Perch with Knots
- Materials Needed: Natural cotton or sisal rope, scissors.
- How to Make:
- Cut a length of rope that will fit across the cage as a perch.
- Tie large knots at intervals along the rope.
- Securely attach the rope to the cage, making sure it’s tight and stable.
- Benefits: Provides a fun, comfortable place for your bird to perch, chew, and explore.
5. Natural Branch Perch and Toy
- Materials Needed: Safe, untreated branches from bird-safe trees (e.g., apple, willow, or manzanita), natural sisal rope, small wooden blocks.
- How to Make:
- Cut a branch to the desired length and attach it securely in the cage as a perch.
- Tie wooden blocks or other chewable items to the branch using sisal rope.
- Benefits: Natural branches provide variety in texture and shape, stimulating your bird’s feet and encouraging chewing.
6. Bottle Cap Rattles
- Materials Needed: Clean plastic bottle caps, small metal washers, non-toxic string or wire.
- How to Make:
- Drill small holes in the center of each bottle cap.
- Thread the caps and washers onto a string or wire, alternating them to create a rattle.
- Secure the ends and hang the toy in the cage.
- Benefits: Birds enjoy the noise and movement, making this a fun and interactive toy.
7. Foot Toys
- Materials Needed: Small, bird-safe objects like wooden spools, small plastic balls, and natural cork.
- How to Make:
- Gather small items that are easy for your bird to pick up and carry.
- Place them in the cage for your bird to grab, chew, and play with.
- Benefits: Foot toys encourage exercise and play, helping birds develop dexterity and coordination.
8. Vegetable Skewer Toy Parrot toy making ideas
- Materials Needed: Stainless steel skewer, fresh vegetables and fruits (carrots, apple slices, bell peppers), wooden beads.
- How to Make:
- Thread vegetables, fruits, and wooden beads onto the skewer.
- Hang the skewer in the cage at a height that is easy for your bird to reach.
- Benefits: Combines food with play, encouraging birds to eat healthy treats while engaging in physical activity.
9. Mirror Toy Parrot toy making ideas
- Materials Needed: Small, bird-safe mirror, wooden frame, non-toxic glue.
- How to Make:
- Secure the mirror in the wooden frame using non-toxic glue.
- Attach the mirror securely to the side of the cage.
- Benefits: Parrots and budgies are often fascinated by mirrors, which can provide entertainment and reduce loneliness.
10. Hanging Swing Parrot toy making ideas
- Materials Needed: Wooden dowel, natural cotton or sisal rope, small wooden blocks or beads.
- How to Make:
- Cut the wooden dowel to a length suitable for your bird to perch on.
- Attach rope to each end of the dowel, and thread beads or blocks onto the rope for added interest.
- Hang the swing securely in the cage.
- Benefits: Swings provide physical activity and balance training, and they can be a lot of fun for birds.
Parrot toy making ideas Safety Tips:
- Avoid Toxic Materials: Always use bird-safe, non-toxic materials. Avoid glues, paints, or dyes unless they are specifically labeled as safe for birds.
- Monitor Toy Condition: Regularly check the condition of the toys to ensure they aren’t becoming dangerous due to wear and tear.
- Supervision: Introduce new toys under supervision to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your bird’s size and strength.
Keeping the intelligent parrot mentally occupied is key to deterring plucking. With all plucking birds, the immediate step should be to move it to another location and then overwhelm it with enrichment—branches, split coconuts, pine cones, etc.—and keep it occupied foraging for food.
Creating DIY toys for your parrots, budgies, and parakeets not only provides them with mental and physical stimulation but also strengthens the bond between you and your feathered companions. Enjoy crafting these toys and watching your birds interact with them!
We have a wide range for bird toys available on Boegie Store in South Africa.
