Your birdie deserves the best! From cockatiels to cockatoos, playtime isn’t just about fun, it’s about enrichment, bonding, and keeping your feathered friend happy and healthy.
Let’s chat about some easy ways to create a safe, exciting playground your bird will love.
Keep Your Bird Safe
Birds are curious (sometimes a little too curious). That’s why safety comes first.
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Avoid Household Hazards:
Nonstick cookware, strong cleaners, and even paint can give off fumes that are harmful — sometimes deadly — to birds. Good ventilation is a must, and it’s always safer to keep your bird in another room when using these items.
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Watch Out for Toxins:
Lead paint (in older homes) and toxic plants can cause serious issues. Always double-check before bringing a new plant or item into your bird’s space. -
Prevent Choking & Entanglement:
Small objects (beads, buttons, rice) = big risks. Same with cords, blinds, or frayed fabrics that can tangle toes or wings. Regularly scan your bird’s play area for “uh-oh” hazards.
Choose the Right Toys
Not all toys are created equal. The best toys are safe, size-appropriate, and designed for enrichment.
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Cockatiel toys should be lightweight and shreddable (think balsa, vine, paper).
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Cockatoo toys need tougher materials like pine blocks, coconut shells, or layered wood for those power beaks.
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Look for non-toxic materials and avoid tiny parts that could break off.
👉 Pro Tip: Give every toy a quick “tug test” before handing it to your bird. If you can break it easily, your parrot definitely will!
Enrichment = Happy Birds
Bird enrichment isn’t just a buzzword — it’s how you keep your parrot’s brain and body active.
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Rotate Toys Often: Switching toys every week or two keeps your bird curious and prevents boredom.
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Foraging Fun: Hide treats inside vine balls or crinkle shred. It taps into their natural instincts and doubles the fun.
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Play Zones: Mix climbing ladders, chewing blocks, and foraging toys to create an amusement park vibe right in your bird’s space.
Make It Seasonal
One of my favorite things? Changing toys with the seasons.
Tropical vibes in summer, cozy textures in fall, festive colors in winter, your bird will notice the difference, and it keeps playtime fresh for both of you.
And if the idea of constantly shopping for new toys feels overwhelming?
That’s exactly why the Bird Fun Box by Alex exists. It’s a monthly parrot toy subscription box that brings you safe, handmade toys (plus treats and activities!) right to your door.
Perfect for cockatiels, conures, African greys, cockatoos, and more.
Don’t Forget Bonding Time
A playground isn’t just for solo play. Sit with your bird, offer snacks, and praise them when they explore.
Parrots thrive on interaction, and turning playtime into together-time builds trust and joy.
Final Chirp
At the end of the day, playtime should be both safe and enriching. Whether you’re setting up cockatiel toys for your little shredder or cockatoo toys for your big chewer, variety and rotation are the keys to happiness.
And if you’d like to skip the guesswork?
Our monthly bird toy subscription box — the Bird Fun Box by Alex — delivers fresh, handmade enrichment toys every month.
Safe play, endless fun, and happy chirps guaranteed.
👉 Click here to subscribe and give your bird fresh toys every month.
Let's give our birdies the best playtime ever!
