Toys for your bird

When it comes to companion avians, toys are serious fun. A favorite plaything can fulfill your feathered friend's need for mental stimulation, allow him to get in some exercise, and can also aid in maintaining proper beak and nail length. And, of course, there's the fun you'll have just sitting back and watching him hard at play.

No matter what species your bird is, you'll have a lot to choose from at the pet supply store. Smaller birds like budgies will enjoy ladders, swings and mirrors with bells. There are jungle gym-style toys made especially for parrots who play out of the cage. The larger species also like rope toys, as well as rawhide chews and nylabones you'll find in the canine section of the store. Wooden chew toys are great for keeping beaks trimmed; they're also useful in redirecting the energies of birds who chew inappropriate items.

Tips for finding the right bird toys

The most important thing to remember when toy shopping, however, is to make sure that whatever you buy is the appropriate size for your bird's species. A parrot's strong beak can easily shatter a plastic toy designed for a cockatiel; should the bird ingest any of the small pieces, he could cause damage to his gizzard or digestive tract. A too-big toy for a smaller bird can also be a potential hazard. Chain-style toys, for example, can be dangerous if the links are large enough for the bird's head to fit through. Pass on any toys that have sharp edges or small parts that could break off, and clips or clasps that could pierce a curious bird's beak or eyes.

Keep it simple

But don't think you have to buy the most expensive toys out there. There are some simple, everyday household items your companion avian will find quite enchanting. Some budgies love nothing more than a ping pong ball to push around and try to stand on. An empty, open paper bag on the cage floor is an invitation to play, as are cardboard tubes and boxes. Food can be fun, too. Fresh corn on the cob is a rewarding challenge to eat, and dried cobs are even more enjoyable for ripping apart and shredding. A large, clean, untreated pine cone can also fulfill your bird's need for a safe, destructible plaything.

Rotate your pet bird toys to alleviate boredom

And remember, to hold your bird's interest and keep boredom at bay, it helps to rotate toys as often as you can. Do take care not to clutter your pet's cage with toys. This is especially important if he's of a smaller species that's not tameable and doesn't require out-of-cage exercise time – he'll need all the room he has to flap around and fly from perch to perch. You'll also need to clean and disinfect all toys once a week. Inspect them for any loose or broken parts, and be sure to replace them if you notice any excessive wear or damages beyond repair.