Best bird toys according to redditors
We found 163 Reddit comments discussing the best bird toys. We ranked the 91 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 163 Reddit comments discussing the best bird toys. We ranked the 91 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
![Jusney Bird Rope Perches,Parrot Toys 33 inches Rope Bungee Bird Toy (33 inches)[1 Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I0fuywCpL.jpg)
Searched for this on Amazon, and now I've fallen into a rabbit hole of all the things you can buy for birds. Like a tiny little basketball hoop!
I think it's this ?
https://www.amazon.com/Downy-Large-Stuffed-Munyu-Mamu-Cockatiel-x/dp/B00KL3S29C
Amazon link for that Big Birb
Play fighting. You should buy it one of these things!
Jackson Galaxy Hunting Instincts Kicker Cat Toy with Catnip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DHT6PRG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Y3qCDb61WQE3K
You can't really discourage chewing on stuff with budgies, since it's such a strong instinct for them. I would suggest getting her something appropriate to chew on like these bird kabobs, and redirect her to them if she starts chewing on something inappropriate.
Nope, it's coated in sandy stuff. It's this perch.
As for the getting along bit, they're a little crazy. They've been together for about a year now and they're at that can't live with/can't live without stage. I've had him (IRN) longer than her. I didn't do anything special, I just house them next to each other and let them have supervised playtime together. I occasionally have to step in and separate fights where he bullies her or she tries to steal his toys, but for the most part they're okay sitting next to each other when closely watched. If one attacks the other and I put the the culprit back in his/her cage for a timeout, the "victim" screams bloody murder until I bring the offender back. Five minutes later they fight again. Freaking siblings :P
Did you try any of the chewable bird kabob toys? I got this for my budgie that wouldn’t stop plucking and it works perfectly:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002FP1W0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_zXIOAb9GYJQSW
You can also get a bird pacifier for them to pluck and groom. I have this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034UHCSQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.ZIOAbWJC0ZYJ
Just press it in between the bars of your cage, twist it and it’s secured. It also comes with refills.
It's this (not sure on the size though): https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Foraging-Systems-Sphere-Diameter/dp/B001MWZF7S/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1495214434&sr=8-23&keywords=small+parrot+foraging+toy
It's a beginner level foraging toy, and I'd say it's good for small sized parrots like cockatiels to larger parrots too. The holes in it are kind of large, so I can't put my birds' pellets in there, but a larger bird's pellets would maybe be fine. Like it's just treats for my birds, but you could put all of a daily amount of pellets for a larger bird in it probably. I stuff it with millet and newspaper, but you could also do nuts or veggies (for less picky parrots!). My other tiel doesn't touch it, normally he'd push this one out of the way if there's seed involved but I don't think he has foraging figured out :(
I have the same one for my Hahn's. He loves it!
Amazon Link
spiral bird rope
bendy bird rope
wooden bridge
Sputnik/space pod
foraging toy
wooden climbing platforms
2-pack lava ledges
foraging wheel
Also a good idea might be to look up some rat safe treat recipes and make a little ratty goodie bag for them (banana chips, oats, dried pasta, certain seeds, etc.)
I've got one. We've had it about a week now, and it's my GCC's best friend. He loves this, plays with it every day. Worth every penny.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RMF35GK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews
Female birds love to chew on wood, and they make special toys for that made out of shreddable wood called kabobs. I keep my birds supplied with them, because if they use one up and i don't replace it, they start chewing up their perches. But as long as they have a kabob, that's all they'll chew. Keeps them busy all day.
Amazon link
I had no clue about the dangers and about a month ago I read all the horrors stories and felt sick over it. I threw away the hut, and I have a much better conscience. Honestly, my birb didn’t sleep in hers, she sleeps on her swing, but I’ve seen people in my bird group rave about the sea grass huts as a similar and safe alternative. Here’s the highest rated one, but you can look around and find one that’s the best size for your birds. Prevue Pet Products Naturals Sea Grass Bird & Small Animal Snuggle Hut 62811 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012V9QPGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qzo8Bb68387HC
I have the same one, but my gcc doesn't like the swing so I put one of these in there.
Was it this one? ARONICO Aglet Heaven Shoelace Bird Play Ring, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZAD9MO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NTmvCbW8HCNJ3
My mom got it from Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KL3S29C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_T1.xyb1QTGC4F Its so soft and squishy!
Here's a bunch of general safety stuff. Hope this helps and is useful.
Check out this list especially Item #10. It happened a few weeks ago to a member on this subreddit--tragic.
I don't agree with Item #2 from that list. For taking your bird outside you're going to want to get an Aviator Harness. There's a video that shows you everything you need to know on it--it's surprisingly easy to get on and off your bird if you follow their approach. The earlier you begin betting your bird accustomed to the harness the better.
Also, be extremely careful around open flames (gas stoves, candles, fireplaces), cooking pots (boiling water, hot oil, griddles), hot stove/range tops, hot baking sheets, essentially anything that poses a fire/burn hazard to your bird. A good practice is to have your bird secure while cooking and after everything has cooled down.
You'll want to get a first-aid kit with a set of needle-nose pliers and styptic powder/gel. Here's an overview of what blood feathers are](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwszSwu4JMc) another video about handling/pulling broken blood feathers--if your bird breaks a blood feather or gets a cut, you need to handle it right away or your bird can bleed to death. In the case of blood feathers, you need to do what amounts to minor surgery to remove the feather shaft cleanly. There's a medical way to hold a bird, you'll want to learn that and get your bird acquainted to being toweled. The main thing when this goes down is you need to be the calming presence--which can be difficult when your bird is flapping and slinging blood and trying to claw/bite you because he's in pain.
You'll also want to ensure that there's no mold anywhere and your bird's cage is kept super clean.
Read up on PTFE/PFOA free cookware. These pans emit fumes when overheated that kill birds. Greenware ceramic-coated nonstick is really good and bird safe. Also things like bake-in-bag dinners can emit fumes that are toxic to birds and someone recently pointed out that the "Oilless Air Fryers" kill birds. Anything you buy that heats up like hair-dryers, space heaters, toaster/toaster ovens you'll need to ensure is PTFE PFOA free.
Be careful with appliances that your bird can get trapped in like Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators. A member of this sub lost a conure recently in a washer-related incident.
Get a gram scale (preferably with a "T" perch) and measure your bird's weight regularly--ideally every day, it's super quick. Changes in weight of 20% or more (assuming your bird is fully grown) is one of the best indicators of a potential health problem--birds are flock creatures and will mask any illness they have so as not to be abandoned by the flock for appearing weak or ill. Also, get good at reading bird poop.
Get a shower perch and shower your bird frequently. Lukewarm water--pressure to taste (good to start gentle and add more as your bird goes to splashing!).
Make sure you're feeding the right foods. Ensure that you have a good high quality protein pellet (I use Harrison's). For seed, avoid sunflower--do not use the black sunflower seeds that they sell for outside bird feeders. I use Volman's Superhookbill--it's safflower seed based.
Don't feed your bird chocolate or avocado. These are toxic to birds.
Get your bird into working with you through target and/or click training. The Parrot Wizard on youtube has a bunch of good videos on this his site and its forums are really good too: http://parrotwizard.com/.
This is a lot of info, but hopefully it gives you a good start toward being super parrot safe!
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Foraging-Training-Cockatiel-Transparent/dp/B07Q987RX6
Sometimes it can take time ( normally weeks) for them to get use to new toys.
Here are a couple I personally used:
A) Foraging wheel. Super popular among all parrot owners.
B) Probably my tiels' first foraging toy I got them.. They love to chew up the seagrass and I would hide seed balls in the 'flowers'. The seagrass mat won't last long but I did keep the bulbs to use continuously.
C) This is a tad trickier foraging toys. You can first make it easier by taking out the wooden blocks and balls. Then slowly add it after they get use to it There are also paper strips that they will probably love to take.
D) Foraging clear ball
E) Another one of the 'first' foraging thing I would do for my tiels is this millet holder. This is super easier to set up. I would especially do this for longer trips out of the house. I would throw in millet and hang it and they would go to town on it. A couple other option is stuff it with veggies or seed balls with paper in between.
F) If you don't wish to put too money down at first, you can use a shoe box and shredded paper. Here is my flock using a slow feeder bowl with rock decor
G) You can put paper over their food bowl. At first your bird will knock it off. Then you can put a rubber band and poke huge holes. Then you bird will do little work to tear through the paper. Later make the holes smaller and smaller until you stop making holes. Then your tiel will have to tear through the paper to get to her/his food.
H)This tippler toy A tad harder toy for your tiel to figure out. You will have to fill it up a lot and probably tip it a couple times for him to see.
H) This clear, drawer toy Anotehr challenging one. You will have to leave it open at first then over time close it. Your tiel will learn to open drawer by himself eventually :D
Here are some pictures of my flock using these toys I mentioned.
I covered their play stand with paper so they will have to forage through it
My conure with the tippler toy
My tiels with the millet holders
Shoebox example with my flock
Millet with seedballs and paper
The put paper over their food bowl example
I used my late dog's slow feeder and rock decor for them to forage
Clear drawer toy
Example of C foraging toy
Good luck! :D
A cuttle bone isn't really a toy, it's a dietary supplement. Do they have anything they can shred apart, like a paper pinata, wicker balls, or a bird kabob? Is their cage large enough that they can fly from one side to the other, or do they get around just by hopping and climbing? Do they get any time out of the cage to fly around? Budgies get naughty when they can't blow off enough energy, either by flying or chewing (or both).
QBLEEV Bird Basketball Toy, Bird Chew Ball Foraging Toys, Parrot Activity Toys, Bird Training Gym Toys https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MK6XCT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9BUtDbAZY9B0C
It’s pretty cheap and crappy but it works
Well i know they like bells but i guess I could show you what my guys have (I'm away so I'll provide links instead of pics) They like to climb all over this and mine go crazy over things like this you might want to get a ladder or too, they can climb on it, and it's pretty much were my older tiel likes to go sleep.
Edit: pretty much anything they can chew without getting hurt, also they'll be scared of it at first but they'll get used to it.
I marked things with a [w] if they're on my WL!
Bonus:
Oregon Chai!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002HBO6K/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1369457628&sr=8-1&pi=SL75
I'm on mobile, so sorry about the messy link. I have a rag covering the perch because the blue bit scares Zippy half to death. The rag is more up his alley. He's a weirdo. But the perch is great!
(1) we have used all of the above. Standard collar holds tags the best, our training class provided a choke collar and we find it easiest for walks, and when he was still very small (8 weeks came home, so for about our first month or so) had him in the harness before we started training.
(2) we have all 3 - the retractable is new and I haven't used it yet, but we got it for beach trips so he can roam, then we started with a nylon and got a leather one from the class. We now use the leather mostly... just because its nice on the human paws :)
(3) We started with a 36" crate, at basically full grown he's fitting in pretty tightly, but still fits. We also ended up adding an ex-pen. If I was buying the crate now, I'd go up a size or two so he'd have some more space. I also highly recommend the pen if you have room.
(4) We've gone through a lot of beds... he's chewed them to bits... so might as well start off simple and cheap. He put a hole in the nice one we got recently within an hour.
(5) When he first came home, his favorites were the rope toys and unstuffed animals with squeekeres. Don't get things with stuffing!! They will try to eat it, and that makes for a lot of supervision needed. Now that he's a little older, he also loves balls, particularly [with teeth]
(https://smile.amazon.com/Coevals-Club-Interactive-Non-Toxic-Cleaning/dp/B01LARUD6M/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1493386356&sr=8-17&keywords=treat+ball+for+dog)
& [brain activity] (https://smile.amazon.com/OurPets-Treat-Ball-Interactive-Dispensing/dp/B003ARUKTG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1493386356&sr=8-3&keywords=treat+ball+for+dog)
(6) Foods:
(7) We did a local class. For socializing, we've made sure to introduce him to people from day one - and dogs since he was fully vaxxed unless we know the dog.
(8) Biggest challenge - he has chewed up window sills, door frames, etc when home alone. We originally thought it was OK to leave him in an empty room with just his toys etc bc we had an empty bedroom. He ruined the listed items of the room. Hence, adding the ex-pen. Happiest moments - it's like when people talk about their partners and babies... its the little moments, like when they snuggle up which you don't expect because its rare for the breed, or when they accomplish something - like being house broken, or a command (sit, etc).
(9) we're lucky... he loves both dogs and people. Archer is an attention whore, and the more praise and play the better. This can vary by individual dog, like individual human.
(10) The only thing I wish I could change is how long my commute it, and how late I get in. My husband is able to spend more time with the puppy than me which is just my own jealousy. Also... we use a dog walker 1-2 times a day (we're moving down to 1 now that he holds his bladder/bowels longer). The mid-day visit is SO important, if you can't take lunch at home... you need to have him with someone - a dog walker, a pet daycare. He cannot be alone for that long.
Also... know he's a smart breed. He's not like a lab or a collie who will live to please you. You live to serve him (or her! I have a boy, so I keep using him) which means that you have to learn about his idiosyncracies. Because he is smart, but easily bored... you will need to figure out what kind of attention and stimulation keeps your shibe baby happy. Is it mental stimulation and logic puzzles? They make more than the tops I shared... so start looking. Also, just play hide and seek. Does his hunter instinct kick in? Sometimes, when he's feeling extra frisky instead of feeding him in a bowl, I'll toss his kibble and treats into the toy, or literally around the room so he can "hunt" for dinner. Is he feeling neglected? Bored? he's going to cause trouble...so how can you make sure he knows you love him. Think of him like April Ludgate in Parks & Rec, or a cat. He wants to know he can have your attention when he wants it - but he will not just snuggle because you want to... or pay attention to you if it doesn't meet his interests or needs. You'll fall in love (hopefully) and won't care, but the shiba will rule the fam not vice versa so get ready for it.
Thank you! Not sure if you’re in the US but I got this one from amazon Super Bird Creations SB747 Bright... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JKXUDMI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share. So far he hasn’t had any issues getting stuck and he loves to lay down on it.
Lol that sounds like my bird! We buy bird kebabs in bulk for him to shred. He's weirdly picky about the stuff he likes to shred; he'll attack some toys and ignore others.
I'm just so excited, meeting another cherry head owner! They are truly special birds :)
My budgies are shredders, they tear everything up, hence every 2-3 months or so, I get them a 5 bucks shredding toy from the pet store made from bamboo, paper and wood. It keeps them away from shredding their perches and food bowls. Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Super-Bird-Creations-3-Inch-Crinkle/dp/B002ABLDXA/ref=sr_1_6?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1452969182&sr=1-6
How long have you been trying to teach her how to play?
It took a little while to find out that Sunny loves popsicle sticks, Luna loves seagrass, Cosmo and Titan love paper/playing cards. It was trial and error for us.
Sometimes it’s just the placement of the toys within the cage that can turn off a bird from playing with them.
Have you tried a foraging toy?
We put Nutriberries in this one and the birds were entertained
( Super Bird Creations SB751 PVC Forager Bird Toy with Colorful Birds & Flowers, Large Size, 3" x 5" x 8"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JL05TJM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QtYUDb87Q7Z40 )
Maybe you could try and assemble toys with her on the table next to the material. She might interact with the material that she finds interesting.
Got you covered for plushy birb
So he sounds a lot like mine, then! Sooo I would suggest something meant for shredding ( maybe like this ) and/or something a little hardier ( like this ). I haven't bought those specific toys, but I have bought many similar to that second one and Mattie absolutely has a blast with them and they manage to last about a week, which is nice.
I leave the boing on the top -- Mangogh has only recently started showing interest in what's on there. Now, he climbs up and down the pole, as well as the boing.
I got the boing from Amazon, though I'm not certain that's the exact one I've got. He also has one inside his cage.
Haha. I'm kind of at a loss for chickens and bees...but parrots I can work with.
This is neat. It has a mirror and buttons that they can push that talk and as such encourage talking. http://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Talk-Play-Phone-Large/dp/B000UJURY0/ref=sr_1_8?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1345483594&sr=1-8
This hangs in their cage so that they can work at getting the treats out. http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Foraging-Systems-Sphere-Diameter/dp/B001MWZF7S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1345483594&sr=1-3
I have a treat ball dispenser similar to this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LARUD6M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_l.iIAbBJYV97F
My pup has to roll it around, and chew it in order to dispense his kibble. He has fun with it. I also have a puzzle feeder dish he has to root around with nose in, but Moose wasn't a huge fan of that, he'd just flip it and get the food out or get bored. I've heard great reviews about snuffle mats, which are like shaggy carpet looking things you put the kibble in and the dog has to sniff around dig a bit to get the kibble. It's good sniff work, working a bit for food. Looking up interactive feeders on Amazon comes up with a lot of cool results!
I also use training sessions to feed Moose kibble, he's a bit more engaged and excited when he has to work on his sit-stays, down stays, paw, etc. He was a very picky eater when he was younger, so I tried almost everything just getting him to eat after the vet ruled out any health issues haha.
I don't know if your pup is neutered or not, but Moose didn't have much of an appetite until he got fixed at 5 months old (small breed). After he was fixed, he started completely cleaning his bowl for all meals, whereas before he would eat just a few bites at breakfast and lunch, and then eat most of his bowl at dinner, but he was only eating a little more than one full serving total. Vet always told us he could stand to put on some weight when we went in, but we just couldn't get him to finish his meals for the longest time, despite trying different foods, wet food, more exercise, etc. Moose is 8 months now, and he's gone through so many changes in appetite and attitude, so just know it does get better and they're always changing!
Hi Mango! What a lucky bird. :) You will have to show us budgie photos.
My budgies have diligently been trying to annihilate a bird kabob for quite some time.
They also really like this plastic key ring with keys. They were rescues and that was actually the only toy they had (though it was on the bottom of the cage). They like manipulating the keys with their feet. There's something about the shape that they enjoy. Plus when they slam it around the keys clack together, which is clearly the best sound ever.
They have this toy explosion thing and really love it. I hesitate to recommend it, though, because I think it's a bit too big for them. I was very surprised that it was recommended for a small bird (I guess budgies are extra small). I've watched them really closely with it and they just swing it with their beaks, so it's still in their cage. It has a lot of tactile things for them to mess with. But if I'd realized how big it was I wouldn't have gotten it.
Oh, and they like this flower, but they've been playing with it less often recently. It was the first toy they started playing with, though (they didn't know how to play with toys when I got them). They have a blast with the little pacifier-shaped things.
Seconding straw/shreddable toys. I have one of these for my tiel and she likes it, she also loves the ones like this that have the straw balls and stars that she can destroy. They don't last a super long time, but she goes nuts for them.
that's good he'll goes outside his cage to play. reading is a nice idea. my tiel is also picky about toys but he likes crinkly paper toys like thesE: https://www.amazon.com/Super-Bird-Creations-3-Inch-Crinkle/dp/B002ABLDXA?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_17750466011 he'll warm up to you again. patience and love!
I dont think this is the exact toy but I have a very similar swing found here
I'd second that, budgies are inquisitive playful creatures and need mental stimulation. They will need some chew toys like this https://www.amazon.ca/Colorful-Parakeet-Cockatoo-Cockatiels-Lovebird/dp/B01H5BCC3E/ref=sr_1_6?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1550553646&sr=1-6&keywords=budgie+chew or kabobs like this: https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Kabob-Shreddable-Parrot-Mini/dp/B00JXLOOTA/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=shreddable+bird+toy&qid=1550553894&s=gateway&sr=8-1, some toys that make noise like bells (budgies LOVE bells), and some swings to fly and hop around on. Most budgies LOVE rope swings like this: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00061UX2I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
Also look at foraging toys for mental stimulation as well.
​
A variety of perches of shape and size (rope, wood, cement) is good for their feet.
​
Make sure to also provide a cuttlebone and mineral block.
It's natural for budgies and other parrots to chew. You don't want to discourage her, you want to deter her from chewing certain things. Just as you deter a cat from scratching your furniture by providing a scratching post, you provide your budgie with toys it can destroy.
http://www.amazon.com/Wesco-Original-Bird-Kabob-Shreddable/dp/B0002FP1W0/ref=pd_bxgy_petsupplies_img_y
I gave my budgies the above. Two days later I found my blue budgie covered in the remains of the toy. She had a blast chewing it.
So I can be lazy and keep my cat from being lazy. =P
They are called bird kabobs. I purchased a pack of them on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Wesco-Original-Bird-Kabob-Shreddable/dp/B0002FP1W0
I'm thinking of the thick, but shape-able rope perches. Amazon sized. They have a inner wire core so can be set-up in different ways to fit the cage. Multi-stranded heavy duty. Your guy isn't likely to chew through it.
Here's an example (link)... https://www.amazon.com/Jusney-Perches-Parrot-inches-Bungee/dp/B074WNXJTV
Have you tried acrylic foraging toys like these?
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Foraging-Systems-E487-Feeder/dp/B004TRYI3U/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1394131550&sr=8-13&keywords=Bird+foraging
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Foraging-Systems-6-Inch-Diameter/dp/B001N2TG22/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1394131550&sr=8-8&keywords=Bird+foraging
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Foraging-Systems-E487-Drawers/dp/B00D84OEFC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1394131550&sr=8-3&keywords=Bird+foraging
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Foraging-Systems-Sphere-Diameter/dp/B001MWZF7S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394131550&sr=8-2&keywords=Bird+foraging
There's SO many like these out there! It'll require your cockatoo to think as well, so it should theoretically keep him occupied longer ;) they're a tad more expensive, but they last longer and are less messy so there's value in that! I don't have a big bird anymore, so my sources are out of date, but maybe another redditor can provide some suggestions on where one can get the best deals for these :)
Good luck!!
This is Rufus
I got him...I have no idea how long ago. He was 3 and it was about 7 years ago. Maybe longer. But he's my best friend. He can fly, and I never lock him in his cage unless I'm gone for a long time because if he gets bored, he gets destructive. This morning, I woke up to an adorable screech. He had walked from his cage to the windowsill, slid down the lamp onto my desk, grabbed a pen from my pen jar and sat on my mug chewing it and waiting for me to wake up. He also will fly into my drapes when he's bored...not to mention opening doors and walking out into the kitchen to hang out with someone.
What I'd get him is a tossup between this perch because he needs another in his 2nd cage and this toy.
I also have ducklings. Aren't they cute? Their names are Caspar and Valentina, and week 3 of having them and they've grown exponentially. I personally think that the dictionary definition of happiness should be redefined to "Ducklings in a puddle of water." But that's just me.
I have a Grey who gets 90% of his food from foraging toys:
I use this , but he did figure out how to get the middle screw out, so I had to replace it]
This is my Grey's favorite. It took him a while to figure it out, but once he did, he goes crazy over this. I had to really tighten the screws so he has to put a lot of effort into rotating the levels. I use this for his favorite treats and it keeps him going for hours
I highly recommend both of these.
Yeah, probably don't change things around much this early! Getting him comfortable with you will take some time, and making things different constantly would probably make that harder.
Some of the most successful foraging toys for us: these rotating cups, this simpler one... [this slightly stretchy one] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CCQLIU) is good for sticking a few snap peas and chunks of apple into. Our bird isn't super into shreddable forage toys like these pineapples, but I know a lot of birds are.
We also do things like wrap a grape or apple chunk in a scrap of brown Kraft paper, then clothespin it to the inside of her cage.
Here you go! Beware, so much noise.
Needs a kicker toy. It'll save your arm, and he'll get his murderous kicking needs met. They're like $2 at walmart.
You know who I think really deserves something? /u/schmin. This would be a little something for schmin and her cat.
Hmm. It sounds like you're doing what you can. What time do they usually get to sleep? Do you cover them at night?
You may want to try switching out the hut with a soft and open sided platform. I use a sisal hammock thing and hang some bird safe fabric from the top of the cage.
What my bird sleeps on:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JKXUDMI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.RZszbXXJZED0
Really, it’s my pleasure. I just like knowing that some little parrot is gonna be happier because I was able and willing to share knowledge on how they should be cared for. :)
So, onto foraging.
You know how cats like to hunt? And dogs enjoy working for food? Well, parrots like to search for theirs and uncover it!
The YouTube Channel FlockTalk is a parrotlet-oriented channel that you should check out! They’ve got some videos on DIY toys, but I’ll give you my bird’s favourite, too.
I did a search, and in case that link doesn’t work, here’s an image of the product. In case that also doesn’t work, here’s an Amazon link to the product.
^ With these, I use a small skewer, toothpick, or something else very long and narrow to push seeds into the very soft wood. As your bird chews it apart, he’ll be periodically rewarded with seeds! This is very fun for them! You can use this method with any soft or porous (having many small holes like a sponge) toy! Just push in or pour the seed into it for your bird to find!
My parrotlet really likes paper, so making some paper contraptions with food inside is always a good time once they realise there’s a reward in it for them besides fun. FlockTalk has some nice tutorials, but any small oragami piece made of plain, non-toxic paper with gaps to shove seeds into will suffice. :) You probably want to have her play with it over a solid surface instead of cage bars so they don’t lose the seeds, whether it’s out with you or a small tray in her cage (not below any perches so it’s less likely to get pooped on).
You can absolutely get creative with toys! Just make sure all the materials are bird safe. Anything that they have to destroy to reach the food is fun for them; it makes them work for it, like a cat stalking prey, or a human going to a not-soul-crushing job to earn a living.
If you aren’t already aware, parrots are scarily intelligent. Even the little ones have a formidable brain behind that beak; it’s what allows them to mimic sounds! Intelligence and boredom just really don’t mix. They’re too smart to be unoccupied for long periods of time. If you know how to read their body language and sounds, it’s downright creepy how much they understand.
Changing the position of the toys and perches can help with engagement! Like rearranging your room, moving stuff makes things fresh and interesting. I personally leave the “favourite perches” (the ones he spends a lot of time and sleeps on; the rope by the “broccoli corner” and the branch by the little bird warming plate) in the same place always, but your bird may or may not be upset by their favourite spots being moved. Other than the favourites, changing the decorations around is a good way to break the monotony of living in a cage. It’s even better if you have enough toys to rotate them. It’s recommended you do this every one to two weeks, but it won’t be the end of the world if you don’t. As long as everything is clean.
My mom and I use So Phresh Wipes to keep the cage sanitary between deep cleans. You might like them, too!
In the end, parrots need clean surroundings, a variety of available food, routine without monotony, and parrotlets specifically need at least an hour of Out-Of-Cage time per day (though more is highly recommended, as they are very social creatures).
And again, any questions, concerns, or curiosities about parrotlets you may have, feel free to contact me and I’ll either give you an answer or a few reputable links that will point you in the right direction. All I want is for our babies to live long, happy lives. :)
Parrots are very high maintenance, but so incredibly smart. They’re truly a joy to have around, as I’m sure you can attest to.
How did the first attempt with chop go? Don’t be discouraged if she didn’t take to it immediately; birds past adolescence are often very reluctant to try new things. It’s normal.
I have a bird toy on my list.
Super Bird Creations SB541 Crinkle Crinkle Little Star https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ABLDXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hgp3DbVTQAMJ2
I buy mine a ton of yucca chips. He also loves that ring with a bunch of shoelaces with aglets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HZAD9MO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4yDUCbVS69ZSA
My sun loves this, it makes a mess, but it makes him happy!
This one on Amazon is what I have and they love it. Fits the Oxbow adult rat triangles as well as big chunks of carrot and celery with no problem. The holes are big enough that they can chew a chunk off of anything that's too big.
We used to have a happy hut, until he decided to destroy it (practically overnight). We since switched to a sea grass hut that he enjoyed until the spring and then destroyed it as well. At least we didn't have to worry about him ingesting fabric or getting tangled in it though.
This is what we now have:
Prevue Hendryx Pet Products Naturals Sea Grass Bird and Small Animal Snuggle Hut https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B012V9QPGU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nxsVBb4WQC59D
My IRN likes both of these, especially the sphere:
Option 1 and
Option 2