Birds are highly intelligent creatures that need mental stimulation and physical activity to thrive. As a pet parent, you want your feathered friend to be happy, healthy, and entertained. While store-bought toys can be fun, they often come with a hefty price tag. That’s where DIY parrot toys or other bird toys are essential—not only are they cost-effective, but they also let you customize playtime with bird-safe materials like cotton rope, tissue paper, and popsicle sticks.

Making your own toys can be simple and enjoyable. Common household items like paper strips and plastic zip ties can easily transform into engaging creations. These projects let you bond with your bird while crafting something that sparks their curiosity. Plus, using safe, non-toxic materials ensures your bird’s safety while they chew, shred, and explore.

Wild birds are naturally drawn to vibrant and interactive environments, and your pet is no different. Whether it’s a dangling toy made from popsicle sticks or a crinkly ball of tissue paper, small changes can go a long way in enriching their life. Ready to start? Gather your supplies, and let’s make some fun toys your bird will love!

Simple Paper Toys

One easy project is the paper straw toy. This toy can be customized with your bird’s favorite colors and textures, making it a versatile option. Cut the straws into smaller pieces, string them together with bird-safe twine, and you’ll have a fun and engaging toy in less than an hour. You can also use cupcake liners to create puff balls or stack them for foraging activities to add another layer of excitement to your bird’s playtime.

Switching out your bird’s toys every week or two keeps things fresh and interesting. Feel free to experiment with different materials. Best of all, creating your own bird toys at home can save you hundreds of dollars compared to store-bought options.

Foraging Fun with Egg Cartons

Birds have a natural foraging instinct that can be satisfied with the right toys. Egg cartons are perfect for this purpose. These simple items can be transformed into engaging foraging toys that provide mental stimulation and encourage your bird’s natural behaviors.

Begin by cutting out the cups of a cardboard egg carton and filling them with your bird’s favorite treats, such as:

• Nuts
• Pellets
• Dried fruit

Wrap the cups in paper towels for an added challenge. Ensure the egg cartons are clean and free from any harmful substances before use.

Creative Uses for Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are another versatile material for DIY bird toys. A bit of creativity can turn these everyday items into interactive playthings your bird will adore.

One quick project is a cardboard foraging tube. Gather an empty paper towel or toilet paper roll, bird-safe string, beads, and woodblocks. Stuff the tube with treats to encourage exploration and foraging. You can make this toy in under five minutes, providing instant fun for your bird.

Colorful Wooden Bead Projects

Wooden beads are a wonderful addition to your DIY bird toy arsenal. Bright colors and interesting textures captivate your bird’s attention, providing hours of entertainment.

To make a simple wooden bead toy, gather materials like:

• Bird-safe wood
• Straws
• Beads
• Leather lace

String the beads and other materials together to create a visually appealing and durable toy. This project is engaging for your bird and allows you to get creative with colors and patterns.

Toilet Paper Rolls or Paper Towel Rolls Treat Holders

Empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls can be repurposed into treat holders that add an element of surprise to your bird’s playtime. Treat holders are simple to make and can be filled with a variety of bird-safe treats.

Gather toilet paper rolls, a wooden skewer stick, and bird-safe treats or vegetables to create a treat kabob. Add the treats inside the rolls and fold the ends over to secure them. This keeps the treats fresh and adds a fun challenge for your bird to access them.

Don’t leave fresh food in the cage for more than a couple of hours to avoid spoilage.

Hanging Toys from Household Items

Hanging toys utilize household items to create engaging playthings for your bird. From wooden beads and corks to twine and feathers, the possibilities are endless. A simple idea is a hanging fruit skewer made from a wooden skewer stick and fresh fruit slices like apples and grapes.

Another fun project is using coffee filters to create hanging foraging toys. Tie the filters with raffia and stuff them with dried fruit or nuts for a delightful treat.

Stack plastic bottle tops on a wire or rope to create an engaging foraging toy. Use non-toxic materials and ensure the toys are safe for your bird to play with.

Natural Foraging Instincts with Pinecones

Pinecones are a fantastic natural toy for birds, thanks to their shreddable texture and the crevices perfect for hiding treats. However, safety is paramount. Gather pinecones only from untreated trees to avoid pesticide contamination.

Clean pinecones with a diluted bleach solution and bake them at 200°F for 45 to 60 minutes to eliminate potential molds or insects. Decorate the prepared pinecones with pet-safe foods to make them more enticing for your bird to explore.

Fun with Popsicle Sticks

Popsicle sticks are another versatile material for creating bird toys. Use them to build everything from swings and ladders to intricate play gyms.

Try making a ladder for a simple project. Using clean, dry popsicle sticks and non-toxic glue, construct a sturdy and engaging structure for your bird to climb. Color the sticks with non-toxic dye to add visual flair to the toy.

Sisal Rope Creations

Sisal rope is excellent for making bird toys, particularly climbing nets and hanging structures. Use the untreated, bird-safe rope to ensure your pet’s safety.

Weave bird-safe sisal rope into a grid pattern and secure it with knots to make a simple climbing net. This project provides physical stimulation and helps prevent boredom and behavioral issues.

Recycled Puzzle Piece Toys

Repurposing old puzzle pieces into bird toys is a creative and eco-friendly way to entertain your bird. The simple process allows for plenty of customization.

Decide on the desired length of the toy and drill holes into each puzzle piece for stringing. Enhance visual stimulation with colorful pieces, stringing them together to create a moving, engaging toy for your bird.

Foot Toys for Smaller Birds

Foot toys, or talon toys, are ideal for smaller birds who love to hold and manipulate objects with their feet. They can help introduce toy-shy parrots to playtime and provide much-needed stimulation, including parrot toys.

Make a simple foot toy by stuffing a Chinese finger trap with shredded paper. Enhance durability and interest with natural materials like pine wood and sisal rope. Use these toys independently or combine them with other foraging toys in your bird’s cage.

Other Best Alternative to DIY Birds Toys

If crafting isn’t your thing, or you’re looking for convenient options, there are plenty of ready-made bird toys that keep your feathered friend happy and active. These toys are designed to engage birds with fun features and are safe for daily play. Here are some standout alternatives worth considering:

1. JW Disco Ball Bird Toy. This toy is a favorite for birds who love shiny objects. The disco ball's reflective surface captures light, keeping your bird intrigued and entertained. It’s lightweight, easy to hang, and made with non-toxic materials, making it a safe option for curious beaks.
2. JW Bird Perch Ring & Toy Combo. This combo offers both function and fun. It combines a sturdy perch with colorful beads and dangling toys, encouraging your bird to climb, chew, and play. Its compact design is ideal for small and medium-sized cages, and it provides great mental stimulation.
3. JW Birdie Basketball Bird Toy. For birds who enjoy interactive play, this mini basketball hoop is a hit. It’s designed to let birds practice picking up and dropping the ball into the hoop. This toy not only entertains but also helps develop coordination. It’s made from non-toxic plastic, ensuring safety during play.
4. JW Strong Bird Toy. Built to last, this toy is perfect for birds who love to chew. It features durable materials that can withstand enthusiastic play, while its colorful design keeps birds engaged. Like other JW toys, it’s non-toxic and safe for all types of birds.

Creative DIY and Premium Solutions for Happy Birds

Making DIY bird toys is a fantastic way to keep your bird entertained, save money, and unleash your creativity. From simple paper toys to more complex projects, there’s something for every bird and every skill level. So, gather your materials and start making some fun and engaging toys for your feathered friend today.

For pet parents who want a ready-made option, Petmate's premium bird accessories and pet supplies offer high-quality, bird-safe materials designed to keep your pet bird active and happy. These products are excellent additions to your bird’s playtime routine, combining safety, quality, and engagement.