Easy DIY Parrot Toys You Can Make at Home (With Safe Materials)
Let’s be honest—keeping a parrot entertained can get expensive. Those store-bought toys add up quickly, and your feathered friend often seems more interested in the box they came in anyway . The good news is that you can create safe, engaging toys for your parrot using everyday materials, saving money while giving your bird exactly what it loves most.
This guide covers everything you need to know about making DIY parrot toys, from safe materials to fun designs that will keep your bird happy and healthy.
Why DIY Parrot Toys Make Sense
Parrots are intelligent, curious creatures that need mental stimulation and physical activity to thrive. In the wild, they spend hours foraging, chewing, and exploring . Homemade toys offer several advantages:
- Cost savings: Store-bought toys are expensive and get destroyed quickly .
- Customization: You can tailor toys to your parrot’s specific preferences .
- Safety control: You know exactly what materials are used.
- Sustainability: Many DIY toys use recycled household items.
Parrots have powerful beaks that can break apart unsafe materials, potentially leading to health hazards. That’s why choosing the right materials is critical .
Safe Materials for DIY Parrot Toys
Before you start crafting, familiarize yourself with parrot-safe materials. The safety of every component should be your top priority.
✅ Safe Woods
Wood is an excellent material for parrots because it satisfies their natural chewing urge . Here are safe options:
Important: Always ensure wood is untreated and unpainted. Never use pressure-treated wood, which contains arsenic and will poison your bird . Avoid cedar, red cherry, plywood, and oak, which are toxic .
✅ Other Safe Materials
❌ Materials to Avoid
- Glue, tape, and staples
- Paints and chemical dyes
- Toxic woods: Cedar, oak, cherry, and pressure-treated wood
- Synthetic rope and nylon
- Bleached or dyed paper products
- Galvanized metal (zinc poisoning risk)
- Plastic that can splinter
Essential Tools for DIY Toy Making
Having the right tools makes toy-making safer and more efficient . Here’s what you’ll need:
Pro tip: You don’t need expensive tools. Many affordable brands work well, and you can find quality second-hand tools at garage sales .
5 Easy DIY Parrot Toy Projects
Here are five simple, engaging toys you can make today using common household items.
1. Toilet Roll Forager
This toy stimulates your parrot’s natural foraging instinct and provides shredding fun .
Materials needed:
- Empty toilet paper roll
- Shredded paper
- Sunflower seeds or other treats
Instructions:
- Stuff the toilet roll with shredded paper and hide a few treats inside
- Fold the ends like a candy wrapper
- Hang in the cage or place on a flat surface
Your parrot will love ripping through the paper to find the treats!
2. Cardboard Stack Chewer
A simple yet satisfying shredding toy that’s perfect for beak exercise .
Materials needed:
- Cardboard squares
- Wooden beads
- Safe rope (cotton or sisal)
Instructions:
- Cut cardboard into squares
- Thread alternating layers of cardboard and wooden beads onto the rope
- Secure the ends and hang in the cage
3. Hanging Rope Knots
Great for climbing, preening, and general play .
Materials needed:
- Thick cotton rope (100% natural)
Instructions:
- Cut a length of cotton rope
- Tie several knots along its length
- Fray the ends for added texture
- Hang securely in the cage
4. Natural Chew Sticks
This toy satisfies your parrot’s instinct to chew while providing natural texture .
Materials needed:
- Safe branches (apple, willow, or pine)
- Drill
- Stainless steel wire or safe rope
Instructions:
- Cut branches into small pieces
- Drill holes through the center of each piece
- String them together and hang in the cage
5. Bottle Cap Rattle
A fun, noisy toy that many parrots find irresistible .
Materials needed:
- Clean, BPA-free plastic bottle caps
- Stainless steel wire
Instructions:
- Create small holes in the caps
- String them together with stainless steel wire
- Hang securely in the cage
Foraging and Puzzle Toys
Foraging toys are especially valuable because they engage your parrot’s problem-solving skills and natural instincts .
Paper Mâché Forager
Materials needed:
Instructions:
- Blow up a balloon
- Make paper mâché using the flour paste
- After it dries, pop the balloon
- Fill with treats and let your parrot tear it apart
Muffin Tin Puzzle
This clever toy encourages problem-solving skills .
Materials needed:
- Muffin tin
- Crinkled paper
- Treats
Instructions:
- Place treats in the muffin tin cups
- Cover with crinkled paper
- Let your parrot forage and uncover the treats
Safety First: Critical Guidelines
No toy is 100% safe, but you can minimize risks with these practices :
Before introducing any toy:
- Check every gap, loop, and opening. Could a toe, nail, or beak get lodged? Could the bird’s head fit in but not out?
- Ensure all hardware is stainless steel
- Remove any sharp edges or loose parts
Daily inspection:
- Look for frayed rope, cracked plastic, and loose hardware
- Replace rope toys the moment they fray—no exceptions
- Remove any toy that has been chewed to the point where small pieces could be swallowed
Introducing new toys:
- Parrots can be neophobic (fearful of new things)
- Place the toy near the cage for a day or two before hanging it inside
- Let your bird observe it from a safe distance
- Some birds need to see you interact with the toy first
Rotation:
- Rotate at least one toy every five to seven days
- Parrots habituate quickly to the same toys
- Keep a box of ‘resting’ toys and cycle them back in
Troubleshooting Common Problems
“My bird ignores every toy I make”
This is the most common complaint. Try these solutions :
- Introduce toys gradually—place them near the cage first
- Move toys to the outside of cage bars before placing them inside
- Let your bird see you interact with the toy
- Place the toy in a different location in the cage
“My bird destroys everything in minutes”
This is actually good enrichment—it means your bird is engaged . Lean into it by making more inexpensive toys. Embrace the destruction—it’s what parrots naturally do!
Where to Find Supplies
Many DIY toy materials can be found around your home :
- Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
- Cardboard boxes and egg cartons
- Plain paper and paper bags
- Safe branches from apple, willow, or pine trees
For specialty items like stainless steel hardware, natural rope, and untreated wood pieces, check your local hardware store or browse our shop for ready-made toy-making supplies.
Final Thoughts
Making your own parrot toys is rewarding, cost-effective, and allows you to provide exactly what your bird enjoys most. Remember: the best toy is the one your parrot actually plays with. Experiment with different materials and designs, watch what your bird prefers, and have fun creating enrichment that supports a happy, healthy companion .
Ready to start making? Browse our selection of bird-safe toy-making supplies in our shop, or explore our pre-made toy collection for even more enrichment options!
