Birds are curious companions who thrive when given engaging activities to keep them occupied. Using DIY bird toys is an excellent way to enrich your feathered friend’s daily life, sparking natural behaviors like foraging, problem-solving, and exercise. Not only do homemade toys often cost less than store-bought alternatives, but they also allow you to customize designs tailored to your bird’s species and preferences. Current studies suggest environmental enrichment significantly enhances avian well-being, reducing negative behaviors such as feather plucking or aggression. From simple shreddable creations to elaborate puzzle feeders, these do-it-yourself options can be created from materials readily found around the home, making this a budget-friendly and planet-conscious approach. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of DIY bird toys, backed by professional insights and tips for safety. Whether you’re a seasoned bird parent or just starting out, crafting your own toys fosters a stronger bond and a healthier environment.
Do you have a feathered buddy for a pet? Birds make wonderful and charming animal companions. Polly is not only adorable, she’s lots of fun to watch. Living in a cage can get rather dull, however, so it’s very important for you to make sure your cute pet has lots of playthings to keep her entertained. You can buy some great bird toys in stores, but you can also make your own. Why not get more involved this Pet Bird Day? Read on for some great DIY bird toy ideas from a McHenry, IL vet.
Ring Toys
Plastic shower curtain rings can make great bird toys. Attach several together, and then hang other objects from them. Popcorn strings, playing cards, and popsicle-stick toys are a few suggestions.
Rice Cakes
Run a string through a rice cake, and hang it in your winged pal’s cage. Just check the ingredients first, to be sure they are all safe for Polly.
Popsicle Sticks
Popsicle sticks can form the basis for quite a few fun bird toys. You can make little ladders or other shapes out of them. Or, just put several in an old tissue box for your adorable pet to play with.
Phone Book
Punch holes in the corner of an old phone book, and use twine to hang it in Polly’s cage. Some birds go nuts for this!
Bottlecap Toy
Start saving bottlecaps from soda and water bottles. When you have a handful, drill holes in the centers. Then, use twine to string them into a hanging toy. To make your DIY bird toys even more entertaining, add beads, pieces of cardboard, paper cups, or playing cards. Cupcake holders are also a good option.
Basket of Fun
Pick up a large wicker basket. Choose one with handles that Polly can perch on. Next, wrap a soft cloth around the handles, so your colorful pet won’t hurt herself on them. Then, fill the basket with fun playthings. Some good options are golf balls, wooden thread spools, small cardboard boxes, plastic bottlecaps, and poker chips.
Tips
Be sure to only give your pet safe, suitable toys. Avoid giving Polly items that are sharp or breakable. You also want to be careful with strings and ropes: make sure your bird can’t get entangled in them. Ask your vet for specific advice.
DIY Bird Toys 2025: Safe Materials, Cleaning, and Bird Preferences
What materials are toxic or unsafe for birds?
Toxic or unsafe materials for birds include sharp or breakable items that could cause injuries. Strings and ropes pose risks of entanglement, potentially harming the bird. Avoid toys containing unsafe adhesives, paints, or metals such as lead, zinc, or copper, as ingestion can cause poisoning. Rice cakes must be checked for harmful ingredients like chocolate, artificial sweeteners, salt, or additives. Always verify that plastics and bottlecaps are non-toxic and free from chemical residues. Natural wicker baskets and cloth handles should be free of treatments, chemicals, or dyes that may be harmful if ingested.
How do you clean and disinfect natural materials for bird toys?
To safely clean and disinfect natural materials for bird toys, first remove visible dirt or debris by gently scrubbing them with a brush under warm water. Next, soak the materials in a diluted solution of vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for approximately 15 minutes, which effectively removes bacteria without harsh chemicals. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with clean water to eliminate any residual vinegar smell. Allow items to dry completely in direct sunlight, as sunlight provides natural disinfection and helps prevent mold or mildew formation. Avoid chemical cleaners or detergents to ensure safety.
What items should you collect/save over time to make bird toys?
Collect everyday household items like plastic shower curtain rings, popsicle sticks, bottlecaps from soda or water bottles, cupcake holders, beads, playing cards, cardboard pieces, and paper cups for homemade bird toys. Save an old phone book to hang as a shredding toy, and rice cakes for edible entertainment. Additionally, small cardboard boxes, golf balls, poker chips, wooden thread spools, and wicker baskets with handles wrapped in soft cloth can be collected. Ensure these items are clean, safe, free of sharp edges, and regularly inspect them to prevent risks of entanglement or injury.
How do different bird species prefer different types of toys?
Bird species have varied preferences for toys based on their natural behaviors and instincts. Smaller, active birds like parakeets or cockatiels often favor lightweight, interactive toys such as popsicle-stick ladders or hanging rice cakes, allowing them to climb, peck, and swing. Larger birds, including parrots or macaws, typically prefer sturdy, stimulating items like phone books, wicker baskets filled with wooden spools, or durable bottlecap chains, which satisfy their need for chewing and shredding. Observing your bird’s individual responses to various toys helps in choosing items best suited to their species-specific traits and personality.
How do I introduce toys to birds that are afraid or uninterested?
Introduce new toys gradually to birds who seem fearful or uninterested. Initially, place toys outside the cage at a distance, allowing birds to observe without feeling threatened. Gradually move them closer over several days. Demonstrating the toy’s use or playing gently near the bird often encourages curiosity. Choosing toys with familiar materials, like popsicle sticks or rice cakes, can make birds more comfortable. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest, and offer positive reinforcement such as treats or gentle praise when birds engage. Patience and consistency significantly increase the likelihood that hesitant birds will accept new playthings.
Please contact us, your McHenry, IL pet clinic, with any questions about your bird’s care. We are happy to help! For comprehensive veterinary services, including advice on safe toys and bird health, reach out to our dedicated team.