Bird Toy F.A.Q.

A parrot with toys is a happy bird! We want you to feel good about giving your bird a Grey Feather Toy, so we use only the highest quality toy parts. We scrutinize and test each product we offer to you, and all toys are assessed for safety and stimulation factors. If you’re looking for a specific product, contact us!  We want our customers to be happy customers!

We only use 100% natural cotton rope, vegetable-tanned leather, dye-free and chemical-free wood, safe plastic parts, and stainless steel hardware.  We use stainless steel exclusively in the construction of our toys.
 

• We do not use any glue on our toys! Glues may contain zinc which is toxic to birds.
   
• Stainless steel quick links are the best method of attaching toys to cages.  Do not use key chain rings, which can get caught or snagged on your bird's beak, tongue, toe or talon.  Always insure quick links are tightened securely.  If you know your bird is loosening the quick links in the cage, use a set of pliers to tighten them as much as possible.  Many accidents and deaths have occurred due to negligence of loose quick links.  Remember to check quick links daily to ensure they are fastened securely.
   
• Get to know your bird.  Even within the same species, each bird is unique and has his or her own personality. As human parents of these wonderful feathered creatures, it our responsibility to know their likes and dislikes. Watch and take note of what type of toys and parts your bird enjoys.  It’s also important to buy the right size of toy. If your bird is intimidated by larger, bulky toys then start with a simple toy.  A good example would be our Lonely Hearts Toy or our Luv n Spoolful Toy.  For birds who love leather knots, try our Cluster Buster – it’s over 20 feet of leather madness! For large birds that are more destructive, we highly recommend our Pantaloonies toy.
   
• Toys are an important part of your bird’s mental health.  Although they live with us, they are still wild animals. In captivity, they need stimulation to survive and toys fulfill that need.  It is equally important to provide a variety of toys.  In addition to enriching a bird’s environment, changing or rotating the toys from week-to-week can help your bird accept changes with greater ease.

Can birds be patterned to play with dye-free bird toys?

Yes! With lots of love, patience and guidance your bird can adapt readily and willingly to uncolored wooden toys.  The more you personally play and fuss over a toy, the more curious your bird will be to see just what is causing all the excitement.  He or she will eventually want to get in on the action too! Remember, you are part of your pet bird’s flock and your bird will want to interact with you.

Are there any particular items I shouldn't give my pet bird?

Yes! We love for our birds to be happy but sometimes they don't know what is safe for them.  It is up to us, as their human parents, to give them the safest environment possible.

BIG NO-NO's!!! Colored magazines and colored newspapers, felt, foam, toothbrushes, cardboard, toilet paper and paper towel cardboard tubes, key rings, plastic bags, cellophane, plastic-coated wires, and vinyl baby toys.

Colored magazines contain harmful inks and chemicals, which if ingested, may cause harm.  Cardboard and cardboard tubes contain harmful glues which may contain zinc and/or lead.  Toothbrushes contain nylon fibers and some contain lead metal parts to hold the bristles in place.  Plastic bags, foam, felt and cellophane can be ingested and will not pass through a bird's digestive system.

How many toys should my bird have in the cage?

Parrots must entertain themselves at times when their pet humans are not around, which is why they need toys.  And those toys need to be stimulating to a parrot in order for them to want to play. 

However, it is never a good idea to crowd your bird’s home with toys. Birds need room to move freely in their cages, and of course, enough mobility to play with toys.  Without adequate space, toys can become a hazard.

Birds need to have a good variety of toys to keep their beaks busy.  The chewable quality of wood toys keeps beaks and nails trim. Many acrylic toys have brilliant colors and intriguing movable parts which some birds find fascinating.

Six to eight different types and styles of toys is a good number for most cages, the number varying with the size of the cage. Rotate them every other week with a spare set of toys.  Also, be sure you have toys that are the appropriate size for your bird.

What kind of toy do I buy for my bird?

Each bird has his or her own personality traits.  It is up to you, as the pet human, to know your bird's likes and dislikes.  Destructible toys are always highly recommended to keep your parrot's beaks trim.  Parrots LOVE textures.  Having different types of toy textures available (natural cotton rope, wood, stainless steel chain, sisal rope, vegetable-tanned leather, etc.) will help you determine your bird’s personal favorite texture or activity. For example, some birds with busy beaks enjoy chewing on large, wood toys. Phobic birds may more readily accept a simple toy that is less threatening.

Toy sizes will vary due to your bird's beak activity: (i.e. big chewers = thicker wood parts).  Some birds may prefer acrylic toys, and others may enjoy leather toys.

Remember: Toys are meant to be played with and chewed.  A destroyed toy is a successful toy—it has done its job! 

Safety First! Supervise your bird when playing with toys, and always purchase the right size toy for your bird.  Do not give a Macaw a toy meant for a Parakeet or give a Conure a toy designed for a Hyacinth Macaw. When in doubt, please contact us with questions. We are happy to help customers with selecting appropriate sized toys for their companion birds.

How do I clean the toys?

Use warm soap and water to remove feces (commonly called poop!).  Avicine can be used to disinfect toys after a good cleaning.  Let the toys air-dry completely before placing them back in your bird's cage.

By Monica Gonzalez
Published 12/02. Revised 2/23/05
© Grey Feather Toys, LLC™