|
Is it Really Just a Bird Toy?
....or is it a magical device that becomes
whatever your bird desires? One thing is very clear, bird toys are more than
mere playthings when it comes to your bird. What does a bird toy represent
to your bird? How can this help you to make better choices for your
bird?
What is your bird's toy
personality?
Observation is the key to understanding how to make the best toy selections for
your bird. Does your bird have preferences for certain materials, colors,
textures or shapes? Keep the following questions in mind while observing
your bird interacting with toys and other objects of interest around the house?
Does your
bird like to....
-
chew, tear, preen, shadow box,
snuggle with or disassemble toys?
-
play with bells or other noisemakers?
-
hang upside down and do aerobatics?
-
climb the drapes?
-
hold things in his foot or toss objects?
-
rip and shred paper?
-
forage for treats?
-
solve puzzles?
-
chew holes in your clothes? untie knots?
-
snatch your earrings, eyeglasses and
other shiny objects?
-
weave materials through cage bars?
-
hide behind or snuggle up to toys?
Answers to these questions can
point you in the right direction when it comes to finding the perfect toys for
your bird.
Other Considerations in Choosing Toys
-
Select toys of an appropriate size for
your bird. Check out our helpful Toy Sizing
Guide for help while shopping on our site. If a toy is too small
it will not only be too easily destroyed but small parts could also present a
choking hazard. If a toy is too large it could pose a
trapping hazard for small bird body parts.
-
Select toys from reputable manufacturers
who take care to make sure only safe, non-toxic materials are used.
No toy is 100% safe but you can minimize potential risks by making smart
choices. Check out our Toy Safety Guide
to
learn more.
-
Know how your bird interacts with his
toys and choose toys appropriate to his individual play style. Make
sure to supervise your bird whenever you give him a new toy to ensure he
plays safely.
-
Be
prepared to maintain toys as they may become unsafe after parts become
chewed or frayed.
-
Provide your bird with a minimum of 4-6
toys at all times.
-
Choose a variety of toys (see below) and
make sure to rotate and reposition them frequently (minimum weekly) to maintain a
stimulating environment for your bird.
Types of Bird Toys
Birds should be provided with a
cross section of toys from all of the following categories to ensure that their
physical and mental needs are being addressed.
 Print
Version
|
