Parrots are active and inquisitive birds. They are interested in their surroundings and, out of boredom, can destroy property. Toys are essential for parrot development, entertainment, and distraction. Pet stores offer a wide variety of bird accessories: the choice of toy depends on the parrot's size and activity level.
Sports toys
This category features accessories for physical activity. Parrots' favorite toys include:
- Mini skateboard. Large birds are more likely to ride it than small ones. To help a bird understand how to play with it, you'll need to show it several times.
- Basketball court. Parrots enjoy shooting hoops and also enjoy putting objects in various containers.
- Ladders and swings. Accessories should be securely fastened to prevent injury to your pet during exercise.
Some owners organize entire play complexes outside the cage. This distracts the bird from damaging property during free range and prevents it from getting bored in the absence of a partner.
Puzzles and educational toys
Parrots are very intelligent and love to play with educational toys. These include:
- Mirrors. Birds can stare at their reflections for long periods of time and chirp, imitating communication.
- Toys with sounds. Bells and jingling balls are good options. Birds love to sing, so these toys keep them occupied for hours. The key is to make sure the sound is melodic and not too loud, otherwise your pet might get scared.
- Foraging toys are toys that require physical effort to obtain food. By searching for hidden food, the bird satisfies its natural instincts. For the same reason, fruits and vegetables should not be chopped finely. A parrot will be kept busy for a long time sorting or chopping the fruit itself.
How to choose a safe toy for your parrot
A toy for a parrot should be selected in accordance with the size of the pet and meet the following requirements:
- No small parts or protruding threads that a bird could swallow.
- Natural materials. It's best to give your parrot toys made from fruit wood, untreated with varnish or wax. Your bird can sharpen its beak and claws on them without any risk to its health.
- Smooth, even edges without any sharp parts that could injure the parrot.
- No glue or other toxic substances.
- The toy should be sturdy. Parrots have strong beaks that can easily break fragile objects. Splinters from the toy can injure the bird's mouth.
Parrot toys should be regularly washed and disinfected, and broken ones should be disposed of immediately to prevent injury. Accessories should be positioned so that there is ample room for the bird to move around in the cage. If the parrot shows no interest in a new item, simply demonstrate how to use it a few times.
You can make your own parrot toys or buy ready-made ones. Both will be equally enjoyable for your bird. Playing with your pet is guaranteed to bring a wealth of positive emotions.
