• Purchase toys that are size appropriate for your species of parrot. For example, a tiny parrolet can easily become trapped in toy parts that are meant for larger parrots and large birds, like macaws, can potentially swallow small toy parts, such as beads, meant for smaller parrots.
  • Always ensure that a toy is made from bird safe materials. For example wood products should be properly dried and free of any pesticides and insects. Stainless steel is the preferred metal for things such as quick links and chains. Coloured materials, such as leather or wood, should be dyed with edible food colour or natural vegetable dyes. Toys made with glue and paint should be labeled as non-toxic or child safe.
  • Avoid purchasing toys made with small bells. Beaks and toes can easily become caught in them.
  • Examine your birds’ toys everyday to ensure that they are safe for playing with! All frayed strings should either be trimmed or removed so toes, legs and wings don’t become entangled in them. Any attachments, such as quick links, should be properly closed so toys don’t become detached from the cage and beaks and toes don ’t become caught.
  • Proper hygiene should be exercised when maintaining your birds’ toys. Toys that are wet/damp or covered in fecal matter are prime breeding grounds for potentially harmful bacteria. Clean and thoroughly dry all materials regularly.
  • Grooming is always a key factor in preventing untimely accidents! Toenails, if long and sharp, should be trimmed up to avoid getting caught in cotton materials such as ropes.
  • You and only you know your parrot best! When selecting a toy ask yourself, what does he/she like? Do they like to chew? Do they like to snuggle? Would bright colours be attractive to them or perhaps natural colours? These simple questions can easily help lead you to selecting the perfect toy for your parrot.
  • Lastly, always supervise your bird when introducing a new toy. Some parrots are easily “spooked” by the introduction of a “foreign” object into their space; therefore a slow and gradual introduction is sometimes needed. Also you can usually note quite readily if certain toy parts are going to be a potential hazard to your bird however if you have read the above tips this shouldn’t be a problem!


REMEMBER: A THOUGHTFULLY SELECTED TOY LEADS TO HAPPY AND CONTENT PARROTS AND OWNERS!