Types of Parrot Toys
As previously discussed, toys should be provided to your parrot to help challenge them physically and encourage them mentally. Far to often bored parrots develop behavioral problems and become destructive. If you have an excessive chewer you may even find your furniture becomes an outlet for this lack of stimulation. Toys will keep your parrot happy and healthy. There are several types of toys you can give to your parrot, each satisfying as the next. Just remember to always inspect the toys to make sure they are safe for your feathered friend.
Chew Toys
It is imperative for you to provide these toys for your pet bird because your parrot has a natural urge to chew and gnaw; they are made of materials such as rawhide, wood, leather, and Manzanita. Your parrot will destroy these types of toys and they should be replaced frequently. Chew toys keep your parrot from destroying your furniture and provide safe chewing for your companion pet. You should provide larger parrots with hardier wood to chew on.
Cuddle Toys
Parrots are very affectionate. In the wild they even snuggle with their mates and enjoy physical contact. If a caged bird is alone, you will often notice them snuggling or cuddling up to a soft toy or something warm & supple. Cuddling is a natural way of easing stress and providing security. This toy can range anywhere from a perch tent to a washcloth.
Toys that Make Noise
Parrots love to make noise. Noisemakers will provide your parrot with a way to do just that. These types of toys can be rings, rattles, and bells. Copper bells are great for parrots to play and make noise with. However, steer clear of jingle bells and round shaped bells Beaks can easily get caught in the slits on the round bells; toes and toenails can get trapped as well. If you have a parrot that likes to disassemble things remove the clapper from the bell because it may contain lead or zinc which would cause poisoning.
Puzzle Toys
Parrots are curious and inquisitive by nature. A puzzle can keep your bird busy for quite some time. These toys require your feathered friend to manipulate objects to solve problems. It has even been reported that some birds have escaped from their cages by dismantling it by removing nuts and bolts. These types of toys are a must for parrots such as those.
Foraging Toys
Parrots that live in the wild are required to work for their food. Foraging toys are excellent resources that provide this for your bird. With these types of toys, you can hide or place your bird’s food and treats inside of them.
Play Trees for Parrots
Although these play areas for your parrot will take up some room in your home it is one of the best types of play areas for your parrot. They are the closest thing to your bird’s natural habitat and will keep your bird blissful and busy.
Hanging Gymnasiums
Parrots need a lot of exercise to maintain optimal health. Providing a hanging gymnasium will let your bird play with toys, climb and hang keeping him active and happy. There are many styles to choose from ranging anywhere from complex gyms to a simple bungee rope with toys attached.
Ropes
A parrot can practice their acrobatic skills while playing on the ropes. Ropes can be used for playing as well as perching but if the rope begins to unravel, immediately trim that part off or replace with a new rope to prevent possible entanglement or even worse – strangulation. There are certain types of rope that are designed for your parrot to “rope preening”. Rope preening may satisfy your parrot tendency to over groom and put a stop to feather plucking, picking and self-mutilation.