Small Bird Toys Maintain Beak and Nail Health
When
it comes to companion avians, toys are serious fun.
A favorite plaything can fulfill your feathered
friend's need for mental stimulation, allow him
to get in some exercise, and can also aid in maintaining
proper beak and nail length. And, of course, there's
the fun you'll have just sitting back and watching
him hard at play.
No
matter what species your bird is, you'll have a
lot to choose from at the pet supply store. Smaller
birds like budgies will enjoy ladders, swings and
mirrors with bells. There are jungle gym-style toys
made especially for parrots who play out of the
cage. The larger species also like rope toys, as
well as rawhide chews and nylabones you'll find
in the canine section of the store. Wooden chew
toys are great for keeping beaks trimmed; they're
also useful in redirecting the energies of birds
who chew inappropriate items.
Tips for Finding the Right Parrot & Bird Toys
The
most important thing to remember when toy shopping,
however, is to make sure that whatever you buy is
the appropriate size for your bird's species. A
parrot's strong beak can easily shatter a plastic
toy designed for a cockatiel; should the bird ingest
any of the small pieces, he could cause damage to
his gizzard or digestive tract. A too-big toy for
a smaller bird can also be a potential hazard. Chain-style
toys, for example, can be dangerous if the links
are large enough for the bird's head to fit through.
Pass on any toys that have sharp edges or small
parts that could break off, and clips or clasps
that could pierce a curious bird's beak or eyes.
But
don't think you have to buy the most expensive toys
out there. There are some simple, everyday household
items your companion avian will find quite enchanting.
Some budgies love nothing more than a ping pong
ball to push around and try to stand on. An empty,
open paper bag on the cage floor is an invitation
to play, as are cardboard tubes and boxes. Food
can be fun, too. Fresh corn on the cob is a rewarding
challenge to eat, and dried cobs are even more enjoyable
for ripping apart and shredding. A large, clean,
untreated pine cone can also fulfill your bird's
need for a safe, destructible plaything.
Rotate Your Pet Bird Toys to Alleviate Boredom
And
remember, to hold your bird's interest and keep
boredom at bay, it helps to rotate toys as often
as you can. Do take care not to clutter your pet's
cage with toys. This is especially important if
he's of a smaller species that's not tameable and
doesn't require out-of-cage exercise time--he'll
need all the room he has to flap around and fly
from perch to perch. You'll also need to clean and
disinfect all toys once a week. Inspect them for
any loose or broken parts, and be sure to replace
them if you notice any excessive wear or damages
beyond repair.
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