When making homemade toys for pet birds, it’s important to carefully choose materials that are safe for them to chew and play with. Certain materials can be toxic or pose ingestion hazards, while others are perfectly bird-safe. Here are some quick guidelines for selecting proper materials for bird toys:
Wood
Untreated, bird-safe woods like pine, maple, birch, poplar, and other hardwoods are excellent materials for bird toys. Avoid using softwoods like cedar and redwood, as the oils they contain can be toxic to birds. Stay away from painted, stained, or treated wood, as birds may chew off and ingest the chemicals. Hard, natural wood is sturdy and safe for chewing activity.
Rope
Natural fiber ropes like cotton, hemp, or sisal make great bird toy components. They are safe to chew and shred. Be sure any dyes used are non-toxic. Avoid rope made with artificial fibers, which could pose intestinal obstruction or choking hazards if swallowed.
Paper
Plain white paper and cardboard are bird-safe materials. Printed paper may be unsafe, as ink and dyes can be toxic. Use unprinted paper or check paper and ink toxicity. Avoid paper with staples, which can injure birds.
Palm Leaf
Untreated palm leaves from palm trees provide natural shredding and chewing enjoyment for birds. They are a durable and bird-friendly material. Do not use dyed or chemically treated palm leaves.
Natural Plant Materials
Many bird-safe toy parts can be made from natural plant materials like untreated twigs, branches, vines, sea grass, bamboo, yucca, and more. Offer different textures and diameters. Ensure plants are bird-safe and pesticide/chemical free.
Mineral Cuttlebone
The natural mineral cuttlebone, derived from cuttlefish, provides calcium and mineral enrichment for caged birds. Whole cuttlebones can be attached to cages or toys. Crumbled cuttlebone powder can also be incorporated into toy parts.
Bells
Small metal bells are safe additions to bird toys, providing sensory enrichment. Use bells specifically designed for bird toys that do not contain lead or zinc. Make sure clasps are bird-safe if attached to toys.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel bird toy components, like link chains, rings, hooks, and mirrors add visual interest. Ensure mirrors are acrylic or first surface glass to prevent glass splinter hazards. Avoid lead, zinc, and toxic metal elements.
Acrylic
Acrylic plastic is non-toxic for birds. Acrylic toy pieces in bright colors provide mental stimulation. Acrylic beads, blocks, balls, and more can be incorporated into toy designs. Make sure acrylic edges are smooth and rounded.
Vegetable Tanned Leather
Untreated vegetable tanned leather strips or shapes make for ideal, natural bird chewing toys. Look for chemical-free, lead-free leather sourced from bird toy suppliers. Do not use chrome tanned or dyed leather.
Loofah
The fibrous, natural loofah gourd sliced into pieces makes an excellent shredding and chewing substrate for birds. Both natural and plastic loofah can be used. Make sure plastic loofah is bird-safe polypropylene material.
Natural Feathers
Feathers from bird-safe fowl, like chickens, make enriching toy stuffers. Ensure feathers are meticulously cleaned to prevent dust and parasites. Only use feathers specifically processed for bird toys. Do not use dyed feathers.
Cotton Rope or Twine
Unbleached, untreated natural cotton rope and twine are ideal for tying toy parts together. Make sure any dyes used are avian-safe. Look for cotton ropes sold specifically for bird toys. Check for loose threads.
Seagrass
Natural seagrass wicker balls and woven mats provide safe shredding fun. Seagrass is a durable fiber that grows in coastal regions. Look for untreated, pesticide-free seagrass products sourced from bird toy suppliers.
Unsafe Materials to Avoid
While the materials listed above are generally considered bird-safe, here are some to avoid when making homemade bird toys:
- Plywood, particle board, pressboard – may contain glues and resins toxic to birds
- Painted or treated wood
- Pine or cedar wood – contain oils that may be irritating
- Loose strings, fibers, hair, or threads – choking or digestion risk
- Poisonous plant materials
- PVC, nylon or mylar – can obstruct digestive tract if ingested
- Zinc, lead, or copper
- Brittle plastics – can splinter and cause internal punctures
Best Practices for Bird Toy Safety
Follow these best practices when designing and constructing homemade bird toys:
- Use only bird-safe, non-toxic materials
- Avoid small parts that could become detached and swallowed
- Sand and round any wooden edges
- Use stainless steel or zinc-free hardware
- Check for loose ends, fibers, loops, ties
- Large enough not to pose choking hazard
- Durable construction that will not break into pieces
- No lead-based paints or dyes
- No pesticide residues
- No sharp edges or points
Size Recommendations
Bird toy parts and accessories should be sized appropriately for the species of bird:
Bird Group | Recommended Size |
---|---|
Small Birds (finches, canaries) | 1/4″ diameter or larger |
Medium Birds (cockatiels, conures) | 1/2″ diameter or larger |
Large Birds (macaws, cockatoos) | 3/4″ diameter or larger |
Avoid any components that are so small they could slip through cage bars or easily lodge in a bird’s throat.
Location of Bird Toys
Properly locate homemade bird toys to maximize safety:
- Hang or attach toys securely inside cages or aviaries using sturdy hardware.
- Position toys away from food and water dishes to avoid contamination.
- Place perch-mounted toys at proper heights for each bird’s size.
- Put foot toys on cage floors away from droppings.
- Situate toys away from cage grates or bars where feet or heads could get caught.
- Distribute toys evenly throughout enclosure for equal access.
Supervision
Always supervise birds when first introducing new toys. Monitor them periodically as they interact with toys. Watch for signs of injury, destruction, loose parts, ingestion hazards or safety issues. Remove or repair toys as needed.
Variety
Rotate an assortment of homemade toys to keep birds mentally stimulated. Change toys frequently to add novelty. Provide toys with diverse textures, shapes, materials and challenges.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean and disinfect bird toys on a regular basis to prevent disease risks. Discard toys at the first sign of damage or wear. Detailed guidelines include:
- Clean and disinfect wood, acrylic, stainless steel, and other non-porous toy parts weekly
- Replace rope, paper, leather and natural fiber parts monthly
- Discard toys with any signs of damage or loose parts
- Do not allow bird droppings to accumulate on toys
- Use bird-safe cleaning products like diluted vinegar or unscented soap
- Rinse toys thoroughly after cleaning
- Air dry toys completely before rehanging in bird enclosures
Conclusion
With proper material selection, construction, placement, and maintenance, homemade toys can provide birds with many hours of safe playtime enjoyment. Being aware of bird-safe and toxic materials is key. Following basic safety guidelines helps ensure bird toys are both mentally enriching and physically sound. With supervision and common sense, homemade toys can be an excellent addition to any bird’s enclosure.