If you’ve ever caught your bird shredding paper, chewing the side of their perch, or gnawing on anything they can get their beak on… yep, that’s totally normal!
Birds need to chew. It’s not just for fun (although it is fun for them). Chewing is an important part of their health and happiness.
Let’s break down why chewing toys for birds are a must, and how to find the best chew toys for parrots, cockatiels, conures, and more.
Birds Need Mental Enrichment—And Chew Toys Help!
Birds are smart. Like, really smart. And just like us, they get bored if they don’t have enough to do.
Chewing toys provide mental stimulation, keep boredom at bay, and can even help prevent unwanted behaviors like screaming or feather plucking.
The next time your bird is chewing happily on a shreddable toy, you can smile knowing they’re having a great time and getting enrichment.
Want a broader look at why toys are essential for birds? Check out this post on why all birds need toys.
Beak Health Matters!
A bird’s beak never stops growing. In the wild, birds chew on bark, twigs, and other natural materials to condition their beaks.
In our homes, they need safe alternatives—aka bird beak conditioning toys.
Providing your feathered friend with the right chewing toys for birds helps keep their beak healthy, strong, and the right shape. No overgrown beaks here!
Are All Bird Chew Toys the Same?
Not quite. Here's what to look for:
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Safe chew toys for birds: Always avoid treated wood, or anything with glue or metal that could be harmful.
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Species-appropriate sizes: What works for a macaw won’t be right for a cockatiel. Look for cockatiel chewing toys or parrot chew toys based on your bird’s size.
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Variety: Mix it up! Try shreddable bird toys, harder woods, and foraging toys with chewable elements to keep things interesting.
DIY Bird Chew Toys? Yes, Please!
If you’re crafty, DIY bird chew toys can be a fun (and budget-friendly) way to make enrichment at home.
Think vine balls, paper rolls, untreated pine slats, palm leaf pieces.You’d be surprised what you can put together with safe materials and a little creativity.
Just remember: homemade bird chewing toys should be just as safe as store-bought ones. No sharp edges or toxic stuff, please!
Don’t Forget to Rotate!
Ever notice how your bird gets excited when a “new” toy shows up? Rotating toys keeps things fresh and exciting.
We recommend switching things up every week or so to keep your bird curious and mentally engaged.
If you ever think, “Should I swap this out?”—just do it.
Here’s how to introduce new toys to your feathered friend (without the drama).
Final Thoughts: Chewing = Happy, Healthy Birds
Chewing toys aren’t just “extras.” They’re bird essentials. They help with beak health, give your bird something to do, and keep them feeling good inside and out.
Whether you go for handmade parrot chew toys, diy bird chew toys, or a mix of both,your bird will thank you.
Want fresh chewing toys delivered every month?
Join our Bird Fun Box by Alex—a subscription packed with handmade toys, enrichment, and beaky fun!
