In the world of pet bird owners there is a problem that is often encountered, namely lack of stimulation and boredom. Although it seems ironic for a bird to get bored, it is still 100% possible. When birds go into a state of lack of stimulation, health problems can even occur due to the stress and destructive behaviours they adopt out of boredom. These little animals are known to be very intelligent and active, which is why they require continuous activity to maintain their body and mind. Bird toys are the ideal solution when it comes to preventing the conditions and destructive behaviours such as feather pulling or, in extreme cases, self-mutilation. These bird supplies give them the mental and physical stimulation they need to avoid health problems and help birds express their natural instincts.
Why Are Bird Toys Important for a Bird`s Health?
Maybe when you think about getting a parrot as a pet you do not think that it will require as much attention as a dog, for example, but birds need just as much care and attention as any other pet. These in turn are quite active and very intelligent animals, and when they cannot freely express their natural instincts, they tend to develop some health problems, either physical or mental. Destructive behaviours are often encountered when the bird is not physically stimulated and reaches a stage of boredom that also causes stress. With stress comes agitation, feather-pulling, space destruction and even self-mutilation.
Therefore, bird toys are a good mental stimulator for these pets because they help to avoid creaking and keep the mind active through physical exercise. Regular physical training contributes to the bird's health because it allows it to express its natural behaviours such as hiding, roosting, or exploring. And when a bird, like any other animal, is free to express its natural instincts, stress and anxiety are automatically reduced, thus contributing to its health.
How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Bird
As Bird Tricks mentions `Toys are multi-tasking things. They should be fun, educational, provide challenges and satisfy a bird’s instinctive needs. They are there to fill the void that a caged bird might feel with limited space and social activity. They exist to be chewed on, smacked around, yelled at and reduced to splinters. `
Depending on the needs of your little friend there is a wide range of bird supplies to choose from. To choose a suitable toy for your bird you must think about what you want to give it because there is a special design for each need. For example, there are toys that are usually made of wood or materials that allow birds to exercise their reflexes and sharpen their beaks. Then there are the interactive toys that are used in the interaction between the owner and the pet. Interactive games can be in the form of a puzzle or a scavenger hunt.
A favourite accessory of pet flyers is the swing and fly toy. These toys encourage exercise for the birds or their swing and are found in the form of flight rings or swings. These are often combined with sound toys, for example, a bell attached to the swing. Birds are attracted to sounds, and these types of toys can easily stimulate their interest. The last ones are hide and seek toys, their prototype being designed to give birds the opportunity to hide their objects or even hide themselves, thus being instinctively stimulated to explore. By means of these types of toys, the birds' natural instincts are stimulated thus maintaining both mental and physical balance.
Which Is the Best Material for Bird Toys
Buying your bird, a toy is not enough to ensure its health. The materials used in making these toys for animals in general, not just for birds, can be quite harmful if not chosen carefully. So, first you need to avoid toxic materials like lead based paints or bird supplies made of harmful plastic. Natural wood is first on the list of safe materials. This is an ideal material for making bird toys as it is both safe and durable.
Also from the category of natural materials is bamboo, which offers an ecological option and is as safe and durable as the wood. Then there are the natural fibres that are often used in hide and seek toys to stimulate instinctive exploration. A final option would be metals such as stainless steel, which provide safety. Variants made of stainless steel are mostly used for toys predestined to stimulate the interest of birds through sounds.
So, the list of safe materials for bird toys looks like this:
- First there is wood, followed by bamboo.
- The second place is taken by natural fibres.
- And the last are safe metals such as stainless steel.
Advice for Buying the Right Toy for Your Bird
First, you do not have to limit yourself strictly to a toy. You can juggle the variety of bird supplies available to stimulate different behaviours and instincts in the bird. So, do not settle for just one toy, take advantage of the diverse range on the market.
After that you need to choose the correct size of the toy to fit both your bird and its cage size. For example, a Grey parrot is quite large, and this type of bird can quickly destroy small toys. This criterion also applies in reverse because a Parakeet that is small will not be able to handle large objects like a Jako.
Finally, safety is key when it comes to purchasing an accessory for your bird. You should always check that the toys you want to buy for your pet are made of safe and durable materials. You should also avoid toys that contain small parts that can be swallowed or that can be a danger to birds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the aspects mentioned above, bird toys are essential to give your bird a healthy and active life. They also go a long way in reducing the stress and anxiety a bird can develop from a lack of stimuli. Stress is as dangerous for birds as it is for any other pet, even humans, so it is important to prevent it as much as possible.
All bird owners, or pet owners in general, are encouraged to invest in bird supplies to make their lives happier and easier. Once your pet is happy, you are happy too. Make sure that when you invest in a toy for your bird that it is durable and made from materials that are safe for your bird.