One of the best ways to keep our smart birds from getting bored when we cannot give them our undivided attention is by providing toys that keep the birds engaged and interested. This may include toys made of many different materials to chew on as well as items that keep them mentally stimulated.
Many of the smart parrot toys are like puzzles that when figured out by the bird gives a reward such as a piece of wood or a treat to eat. The latter are called foraging toys and are fabulous to use with all species of parrots as long as the toy being used is made of the right strength and size. If a large parrot is offered a toy made for smaller birds, it can break up the weaker toy easily, which may lead to a health problem if the parts are ingested. Larger toys may intimidate smaller parrots or they may be unable to play with or use the toy, therefore the birds need to be given ones of the correct sizes for them.
Toys that keep a parrot's attention are extremely important to offer at all times in the cage and playpen. A bird that is playing with, chewing on and trying to figure out puzzle types of toys will not be likely to develop bad habits such as biting, screaming or destructive behaviors like feather plucking. Thus all bird owners need to give their pets a variety of toys to keep them mentally healthy and happy.
A Matter of Matter
When shopping for bird toys, owners will see many types made with different colors, textures and materials used to help make the toys interesting to the birds. Toys that include more than one type of material as well as color can make the best toys to offer to keep a bird's interest longer.
Materials can include coconut husks, palm leaves, wicker, straw, paper, rope, hard and soft wood, metal, many types of plastic and more. Some of the material can be colored with natural food dyes and even flavored which is great since parrots can see color well and enjoy many flavors.
Size and strength is important to consider when choosing toys as well as the material the toy is made from as some are made with very sturdy plastic and metal to be long lasting while others fulfill a parrot's need to chew and usually include wood, rope, paper and other chewable materials. Both types of toys are important to offer birds at all times, and some toys that have both tough and chewable parts are great to keep a parrot entertained. It is still important to replace any toys chewed apart as needed and to be sure to change out toys once a month or less, and reintroduce them after a couple of months, so the bird always has "new" toys in their cage. As long as at least three toys of different materials and "chewability" are offered to parrots at all times, they will remain a lot happier and healthier throughout their lives. Changing Things Around
Parrots are very intelligent birds and need to be kept mentally stimulated through interaction with their owners and a variety of toys. At least three types of toys should be offered at all times, and the toys that have not been chewed apart need to be changed every month or less to keep the birds from getting bored with the same toys.
Some toys are meant to be destroyed by parrots. These usually do not last long so a bird should be given new ones of this type when the old ones have been chewed completely. Note that these toys are usually made of porous materials such as wood, rope and paper and even if not used up after a total of six months of use, should be replaced with new ones to avoid any diseases since they cannot be disinfected well.
Toys that are meant to last are made out of plastic and/or metal and can be used for one month and then taken out and replaced with toys that are a similar type but different design, so the parrot will not get bored with the same toy. After a month or two away from the bird, toys can be offered again until they are too damaged to be cleaned or used properly. It is vital that a bird owner change out toys, especially for young parrots, so they do not become overly sensitive to new items put near them or in their cage.
Robyn Bright Robyn has a Masters Degree in studying Parrot behavior from Northwestern University and has written about Parrots and other pets for magazines, websites and products for 20 years. Oct. 2013