Bird Toys: Nothing Made With Feathers, Please

The selection of bird toys on the market is very wide. Unlike dogs who love to chew on toys, birds entertain themselves with ladders, swings, and objects that swing on strings. Birds love to play with things that move.

In a bird’s natural habitat, they are surrounded by moving objects. On a tree, the leaves move with every taste of wind. They have great balance because the branches they perch on also move in the wind and when another animal touches the branch. Simulating this type of environment makes them more comfortable and relaxed.

A good number of the toys are made of wood and rope. These materials are safe for birds to peck at and sometimes digest small amounts. There are also some that are made of woven cloth that are brightly colored. Unlike deer and other mammals, birds can see colors and enjoy them. The more color a toy has, the more it attracts a bird.

For a bird to use a toy, it must be the type that hangs close to where the bird perches in its cage. This way, they can easily access them. This is not like other animals that have their toys on the ground. Remember, birds live most of their lives above ground, so their toys need to go up there with them.

If for any reason your bird’s toy gets wet, be sure to dry it. Moisture breeds mold and mildew that can be dangerous to your bird’s health. Since a bird plays with its toys with its mouth, ingestion is quite possible.

For a happy bird, toys need to be clean, dry, and hanging within reach of their perches.