DIY Parrot Toys You Can Make at Home

Parrots are curious, intelligent, and playful creatures. Their high energy and problem-solving instincts mean they need plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity to stay happy and healthy. One of the best ways to provide that enrichment is through toys but let’s face it, store-bought bird toys can be pricey, and not all of them are tailored to your specific parrot’s preferences.

Luckily, you don’t need a big budget to keep your parrot entertained. With a bit of creativity and a few household supplies, you can craft engaging, safe, and stimulating toys that your parrot will love. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of easy DIY parrot toys you can make at home, using simple, bird-safe materials.

If you’re passionate about pets and love creating unique things for your furry or feathered friends, we invite you to Write for us pets and share your own DIY projects or pet care stories on Thepetslover!

Why DIY Toys Are Great for Parrots

Before we dive into the projects, let’s look at why homemade toys are a great option:

• Customizable: You can tailor them to your bird’s size, species, and play style.

• Budget-friendly: Most materials can be found at home or cost very little.

• Safe: You control what goes into the toy—no mystery dyes or unsafe metals.

• Sustainable: Reuse and repurpose items like cardboard, paper, or wood.

Most importantly, DIY toys encourage interaction between you and your bird, strengthening your bond and giving your pet the mental stimulation it craves.

Safety First! What to Avoid

Before crafting any toy, it’s crucial to keep your parrot’s safety in mind. Here are some materials you should avoid:

• Toxic woods like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber

• Glues with strong fumes or chemical additives

• Paints that aren’t labeled as bird-safe

• Plastic parts small enough to swallow

• Anything with zinc or lead (use stainless steel instead)

• Loose threads or strings that could tangle toes or necks

Always supervise your bird with a new toy at first to ensure it’s playing safely.

DIY Toy Ideas for Parrots of All Sizes

1. Shreddable Paper Ball

Great for: Budgies, Cockatiels, Conures, African Greys
What you need:

• Plain paper (no ink or dyes)

• A small ball of natural twine or raffia

• Optional: bird-safe treats or seeds

How to make it:
Crumple paper into a ball, then layer more pieces over it until it’s the size of a tennis ball. Tie it together loosely with natural string. Tuck in some treats between layers to encourage foraging.

Why birds love it: Shredding paper satisfies natural chewing instincts and mimics nest-building behavior.

2. Cardboard Stack Chew Toy

Great for: Medium to large parrots (like Eclectus, Amazons)
What you need:

• Clean cardboard (no tape or print)

• A skewer or safe metal wire

• Beads, wooden blocks, or plastic bottle caps (optional)

How to make it:
Cut cardboard into squares or different shapes. Stack them onto the wire or skewer, alternating with beads or blocks. Hang the toy from the cage using a stainless steel clip.

Why birds love it: Chewing through layers is satisfying and keeps beaks trimmed.

3. Treat-Filled Egg Carton

Great for: Conures, Quakers, African Greys
What you need:

• A cardboard egg carton

• Bird-safe treats or pellets

• Shredded paper

How to make it:
Place treats inside the carton cups. Cover them with shredded paper or close the lid and poke holes for the parrot to open.

Why birds love it: Foraging and problem-solving keeps their mind active.

4. DIY Swing or Perch

Great for: All parrot sizes (just adjust material strength)
What you need:

• Natural wooden dowels or bird-safe branches

• String or stainless steel wire

• Drill (for holes, if needed)

How to make it:
Drill small holes in each end of the wood piece. Thread string or wire through and tie securely to the cage. Add beads or bells for extra fun.

Why birds love it: Swinging and climbing mimic natural behaviors and provide exercise.

5. Coconut Shell Playground

Great for: Large parrots (Macaws, Cockatoos)
What you need:

• A clean coconut shell, halved and hollowed

• Rope, twine, or chain

• Wooden blocks, bells, or foraging cups

How to make it:
Drill holes in the coconut shell to attach hanging toys or to suspend it from the cage ceiling. You can also use it as a food holder.

Why birds love it: It’s natural, durable, and creates an interactive space to explore.

6. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle

Great for: Small to medium parrots
What you need:

• Empty toilet paper rolls

• Paper strips

• Small treats

How to make it:
Cut the roll into rings and layer them with strips of paper and hidden treats. Let your parrot figure out how to open it.

Why birds love it: It’s a fun challenge and promotes curiosity.

Tips for Making DIY Parrot Toys

• Rotate toys weekly: Birds get bored quickly switch out toys to keep things exciting.

• Observe their preferences: Some parrots love chewing, others prefer puzzles or climbing.

• Involve your bird: Let them watch you build the toy. It builds anticipation and trust.

• Use textures and colors: Natural materials, bird-safe colored blocks, and bells add variety.

Share Your Creations with Us!

DIY bird toys are a labor of love, and we'd love to see what you come up with! If you’ve created something special for your parrot, or if you have more tips and ideas to share, we invite you to Write for us pets at Thepetslover. Your creativity could inspire and help pet owners all over the world!

Final Thoughts

DIY parrot toys are more than just budget-friendly alternatives—they’re opportunities to bond with your bird, support their mental health, and unleash your inner artist. By crafting toys from safe, natural materials, you can provide endless entertainment while creating a stimulating environment that mimics the wild in the safety of your home.

So gather your supplies, unleash your imagination, and treat your feathered friend to a toy made with love. Who knew a little cardboard and twine could bring so much joy?