It’s no wonder your parrot can get bored so easily. Think about it, all he does is stand around in his cage with nothing to do. This will certainly lead to the development of some very bad habits – even harmful and self-destructive behavior. That’s why having the right toys around is so important. It might not cure all the problems but it certainly will keep him busy and out of trouble.
It is natural that parrots want to chew. So give them something other than their perch to chew on. A variety of wooden toys is a great choice. You can get them in an almost unlimited number of sizes and shapes – perfect for any size bird. You will find them many times strung together with a rope or chain that you can easily attach to the side of the cage. When choosing these make sure you get only ones that have been treated with a natural dye to avoid any harmful chemicals. Always check them for any spots that could catch a toenail and break off.
There are also acrylic toys that are virtually indestructible. But as a result they don’t allow the natural chewing and destroying that a wooden toy offers so use a variety of toys. Puzzle toys are very popular. These have treats hidden on the inside requiring the bird to work to get at the treat.
Make sure that any toy you buy for your parrot is safe for it to use while unsupervised. We all know that while our birds are unattended they can get into all kinds of trouble. Doesn’t that sound familiar parents? Toys with unnatural materials can be torn apart and ingested. Toys such as stuffed animals or toys made from PVC plastic should always be avoided. These are also very good at collecting unwanted dirt and dust.
Here are a few suggestions when shopping for your parrot. Avoid any toys that have a “jingle bell” attached to them. They may look like fun but your bird can easily catch a toe or beak causing injury. This is especially true of a smaller bird. Flimsy plastic toys can also be easily broken and the small parts can be ingested. Toys that have small parts inside like the clapper on a bell can also cause injury.
Proper sizing of the toy for the bird is very important. It is very easy for a parrot to break a toy that is designed for smaller birds. Ring toys are especially dangerous if they are not properly sized. Also remember that the rings and links that you might use to attach toys to the cage can be a source of danger. Many injuries have been attributed to these over the years. The only type of link you should be using are the stainless steel quick link that can be found at most hardware stores. Never use those snap hooks or key rings if you want to protect your parrot from injury.