The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiel Toys: What You Need to Know
Are you looking for the perfect toy to give your cockatiel that will bring out its playful side? Read through our ultimate guide to cockatiel toys and what you need to know before buying one.
Cockatiels are known to be social and playful birds that love to interact and explore. Therefore, providing them with toys to play with not only keeps them engaged but also helps in their mental and physical development. With so many different toy options in the market, it can often be overwhelming to choose the right ones for your feathered friend. In this blog post, we will guide you through the different types of Cockatiel toys and what to keep in mind when purchasing them. The majority of toys come with a hanger or link that you can use to attach the toy to your bird's cage or play stand.
Types of Toys for Cockatiels
There are many options for safe toys to place in cockatiel cages. Cockatiels are natural foragers, and it's a great idea to provide them with toys in a home environment to keep them stimulated. Cockatiels and other parrots are drawn to shiny objects, and providing them with something interesting to look at is a great way to help them maintain your cockatiel's health and grooming.
a) Climbing toys
All birds of the parrot species have feet adapted to perching and climbing on branches. To develop the muscles of your cockatiel's feet, perch toys that are contoured and have a natural texture are the best. Cockatiels are natural climbers and love to climb and explore their surroundings. Climbing toys like ladders and ropes are perfect for them as they provide a great workout for their legs and feet, keeping them healthy and active.
b) Foraging toys
As mentioned earlier, Cockatiels are intelligent birds that love to explore. Foraging toys challenge their mental and physical abilities, and they love to work hard in figuring out how to obtain their treats from these toys.
c) Chewable toys
Cockatiels have strong beaks and love to chew on things around them. Providing chew toys like wooden blocks, mineral blocks, and cuttlebones helps in keeping their beak trimmed and healthy. The wooden beads encourage them to play and orovide further mental stimulation and a sense of adventure. You could use colourful wooden slats to build new toys or revamp current ones. Chewing on wood keeps beaks trim and healthy, while also preventing boredom. Please be sure to include chew toys in your cockatiel's toy box.
d) Mirror toys
Cockatiels are social birds, and they love the company of their flock. Mirror toys provide them with the illusion of company and keep them entertained for hours.
e) Foot toys
Cockatiels are naturally playful birds and love to play with foot toys like bells, swings, and balls. These toys help in keeping them active both physically and mentally. Cockatiels might like a foot toy to chew, but they usually won't pick it up as larger parrots do.
f) Rope toys
Rope toys like knots and braided ropes are a great way to keep your pet bird occupied. They can pull, shred, or preen them for hours on end! You can find best toys that are constructed from 100% natural soft wood and coconut shell with a natural sisal rope to encourage foot and beak exercise.
Safety Tips when purchasing Cockatiel toys
Some of the best toys for cockatiels don't offer any opportunity for your bird to harm themself however here are some tips for you:
a) Always make sure that the toy you are purchasing is safe for your bird. Check for sharp edges and loose parts that can cause harm to your feathered friend.
b) Avoid toys with potential choking hazards like small plastic parts and strings.
c) Do not purchase painted or dyed toys as they might contain toxic materials.
d) Always supervise your bird while it is playing with its toys, and remove broken or damaged toys immediately.
e) Damaged rope toy can pose a threat to your pet, but so can bells and other metal pieces like clasps. In principle, sisal or cotton rope toys and perches are safe, but they can pose a danger. If your bird likes to chew on rope toys, they should be removed from the enclosure to avoid causing gastrointestinal issues.
DIY Tips for Cockatiel Toys
a) Paper Roll toys - Take an empty paper roll and stuff it with crumpled paper, cuttlebone, and treats, the Cockatiel will work hard to retrieve its treasures. It is similar to Edible toys which can be in the form of chew, perch, or foraging. Alternatively, you can make a DIY edible toy by adding a skewer or rope with your bird's favorite fruits and vegetables on it.
b) Bell toys - Hang a small bell on a string, and your bird will love to ring it for hours.
c) Wooden Spoon toys - Tie a wooden spoon to the cage with a string, and your bird will love to play with it. Bird Toys Keep your pet bird happy and healthy with toys made just for him.
d) Cardboard box filled with fun materials - your parrot can enjoy looking for Has paper rope, crinkle paper and more, occupying birds for hours and encourages natural behaviour.
Tips for keeping your bird engaged with its toys
a) Rotating toys - Keep rotating your bird's toys so that it doesn't get bored with them.
b) Playing with your bird - Cockatiels love interactive play with their owners. Join in the fun and play with your bird using toys like feather wands and bells.
c) Placing toys at different levels - Placing toys at different levels in the cage keeps your bird engaged, and it encourages exercise and play.
Milan Lani
FAQs
What kind of toys do cockatiels need?
Cockatiels need toys that will provide them with mental and physical stimulation. This includes climbing toys, chewable toys, mirror toys, foot toys and rope toys.
What do cockatiels like to play?
Cockatiels love to play with foot toys like bells, swings and balls. They also enjoy foraging and chewing on toys made from natural materials like wood, coconut shell and sisal rope.
How do I make my own cockatiel toys?
You can make these cockatiel toys using everyday items. DIY projects like paper roll toys, bell toys and wooden spoon toys are great for keeping your bird entertained.
Are there any safety tips to keep in mind when buying cockatiel toys?
Yes! Always check the toy for sharp edges or loose parts that could potentially cause harm and avoid toys with small plastic parts or strings. Additionally, make sure the toy is not painted or dyed as these can contain toxic materials. Lastly, always supervise your bird while playing with its toys and remove damaged or broken ones immediately.
What can I give my cockatiel to play with?
Cockatiels can play with a variety of toys. Climbing toys are great for mental stimulation while chewable toys will help in keeping their beak trimmed and healthy. Foot toys like bells, swings and balls will provide them with physical exercise while mirror toys will give them the illusion of company. Rope toys like knots and braided ropes also make great playthings.
What are foraging toys for cockatiels?
Foraging toys are great for keeping your Cockatiel mentally stimulated. These toys challenge their intelligence and physical abilities as they try to work out how to obtain treats from these puzzles. Examples of foraging toys include wooden blocks, coconut shells, cuttlebone and rope knots.
Can cockatiels get bored?
Yes, Cockatiels can get bored just like any other pet. To keep your bird entertained and engaged, make sure to rotate its toys and play with it using interactive toys like feather wands or bells. Placing toys at different levels in the cage will encourage further physical exercise and exploration. Additionally, provide lots of attention and affection to your bird as they are social animals that need companionship.
Are cockatiel toys safe?
Yes, provided you choose the right toys for your bird. Always inspect the toy for sharp edges or loose parts, avoid toys with small plastic parts and strings and make sure it is not painted or dyed as these can contain toxic materials. Additionally, supervise your bird while playing with its toys and remove damaged or broken ones immediately.
Does my cockatiel need a mirror?
Mirrors are a great way to provide your cockatiel with mental stimulation as they love the company of their flock. Mirrors can also help in decreasing aggression during moulting and other stressful periods. However, it is important to make sure that the mirror is not too big for your bird's cage as it may make them feel intimidated or uncomfortable. Additionally, supervise your Cockatiel while it is playing with its mirror and remove it from the cage when you are not around.
Do cockatiels like to be covered at night?
Yes, cockatiels feel more secure if they are covered at night. Provide your bird with a dark and quiet sleeping area such as a small cage or tent to encourage restful sleep. Additionally, make sure that the cover is not too tight around the cage and ensure there is adequate ventilation in the sleeping area. Covering your Cockatiel will also help to keep it warm during the night. Please see more detail in our blog here or by clicking the picture below.
Milan Lani
At the end...
Cockatiels are active and intelligent birds, and providing them with toys to play with is essential for their well-being. Keeping in mind the safety tips and types of toys mentioned in this post, you can provide your feathered friend with a fun and engaging environment. DIY toys can be a cost-effective option, and interactive play with your bird with its toys helps strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Remember, a happy and healthy bird is one that's engaged with its toys.